I Samuel 15:6
“Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, so that I do not destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the sons of Israel when they came up from Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.”
“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return”, Galatians 6:7. Most everyone has heard of this bible verse. It’s meaning is obvious in agriculture. If wheat is sown, that’s what one would expect to harvest. The meaning isn’t as clear when it comes to our actions. If we are rude, it can be said that others will be rude to us. This isn’t exactly one for one. Those that live this way believe that their intimidating strength will demand respect from others. Which is 90% true. The ten percent occurs when someone is bigger and badder.
This also works in the positive. If we are kind to others, then others will be kind to us. I heard a pastor tell a wonderful story illustrating this. He had problems with one of his kids. He feared that his congregation would demand he step down (I Timothy 3:5). He thought this because he’d seen it happen. However, his people lovingly supported him. He attributed this to the gentleness that he lead his flock. I also witnessed it from a church I attended. The church made life very difficult for a pastor who made some foolish choices. He was aloof and asked much from the body, but didn’t live the same way. So, when some pointed out his hypocrisy, there were few to stand by him. He didn’t sow supportiveness. Therefore he reaped frustration and left the church after several months.
It’s nice to know that we reap what we sow. It’s one of God’s laws that brings order to the physical world as well as to relationships. “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints”, (I Cor 14:33). We take this for granted. “Of course apples will grow, if apple seeds are planted.” But this is part of creation. If this weren’t so, chaos would be the norm. Because it’s a fact, peace is the result as the verse says. God wants us to be at peace.
He wants us to be at peace in relationships. Understanding the sowing and reaping process helps towards that goal. This is a selfish reason, but it’s a start. Primarily, we treat others well, for that’s how we want to be treated. In some places the bible gives commands based on human selfishness. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is an example.
God’s goal is for us to act this way for it’s the right thing. He works in us to purify our motives. “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith”, (I Tim 1:5).
The Lord wants us to be kind, because we care for others. That’s the higher aim, “love from a pure heart”. The Lords graciously works in us for that purpose. It first comes as obedience. Jesus says, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commandments”, (John 14:15). We might be in a situation where we don’t feel loving. However, we do it, because we are commanded to do so. The Lord appreciates this obedience. There will always be times when we love out of obedience.
In time, He fills us with compassion. Our hearts soften and we become more loving. We gain His heart. He is our example. He loved when our relationship with Him was hostile. Romans 5:10 says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Jesus died for those who hated Him. He foreknew this. He thought it worth it, as He wanted a people that would love and serve Him.
Loving others is the greatest action that can be sown (I Corinthians 13:13). Verses two and three of that same chapter list some great actions, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” Prophetic gifts, great faith, and generosity would benefit many. However, the Lord isn’t impressed at all, if these are done out of unloving motives. The Lord will help us to be more loving.
Saul grants mercy on the Kenites, due to their kindness long ago. They had sown mercy and reaped it centuries later. We also reap what we sow. We do this in all aspects of life. If it be in our work, home or relationships, we do reap what we sow. The crown jewel is to sow and reap love. God’s great love for us seeks to build that in us. Thank You, Lord.