7.Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8.The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
In this chapter, Paul is reminding the believers that they have a responsibility to each other. And we, as believers, are charged with the same responsibility. There are always consequences to our actions and attitudes, but to be aware that consequences aren't always negative, they can also be positive.
I think about my vegetable garden. What have I sowed? Nothing.. What will I reap? Nothing.. Then I go one to one of my flower gardens. What have I sowed? Time, fertilizer and work. What have I reaped? Lot of flowers, no weeds and it's sort of pretty to look at...
And when it comes to friendships, you have to think about what you are sowing as well? Do you show respect, gentleness, patience and forgiveness? Or does your attitude need an adjustment? If what you reap isn't very good, you need to ask God to help you see what you are doing wrong and ask how to correct it. There is a saying that I've heard throughout life - what goes around, comes around, which I would guess is a secular take off of verse 7.
Our acts are what we sow, which in turn will show up in what we reap.
Something to really think about and decide on.
Nancy
