Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of GOD, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed. That we should not wonder if, in the beginning, we often failed in our endeavours, but that at last we should gain a habit, which will naturally produce its acts in us, without our care, and to our exceeding great delight.”
Brother Lawrence (1611-1691) in The Practice of the Presence of God (London: Epworth Press) 7. Special thanks to my friend, Michael Kohls for reminding me of the this work yesterday. It’s one of those classics that you cannot read too many times.
Nicholas Herman was born in in Lorraine, France. He became known as Brother Lawrence when he joined a Carmelite Monastery in Paris, where he served as a cook and learned to make his daily routine an occasion for ceaseless prayer.
This excerpt reminds us that God measures the love and not the greatness of what we do. The little things aren’t so little after all! Also, God desires that we not grow weary in doing good, because over time the doing creates a habit, a way of living that reflects His love to the world.
Father in heaven, help us not grow weary of doing little things with love. By your Holy Spirit, transform us, help us “gain a habit” of doing good, so that people all over the world see your kindness through us daily. Make it so I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.