16th November 2025

We all know what it is to feel weary. Life throws many difficulties our way: we may have struggles at work, stress at home, conflicts with other people, and conflicts within our minds. Sometimes it may seem our efforts to show kindness and where appropriate offer help, are met with indifference or even hostility. Paul’s words, in our header scripture, address this very real human experience, but are not easy to put into practice.

To not grow weary (or ‘never tire’ NIVUK) in doing good, means to persevere in showing love towards other people. These loving acts of goodness don’t have to be large showstoppers, but are often demonstrated in the daily small, often unseen, acts of kindness.  Whether it is caring for a neighbour, forgiving those who have wronged us, or simply being faithful in prayer, each action reflects the love of Christ in our world.

Why should we persevere in those things and not give up doing good when we are weary and tired? Well, goodness bears fruit. We may not see immediate results, but the seeds we plant in faith will, in God’s time, yield positive results in the lives of those who are the recipients of our goodness. Added to this God is faithful: he sees our acts of goodness even if others don’t and he will bless us in his good time.  

Nevertheless, it is difficult for us to do good when we are worn out. That’s why it’s important to remember that we don’t, and can’t, do good in our strength. Jesus says to us, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG). We can only persevere in doing loving good things for people because Jesus lives in, and through us. Jesus endured tiredness, rejection, and suffering on the cross, and yet he persevered in love to bring us salvation: the ultimate good. It is his perseverance in us that will enable us to do good when we are tired and weary.

The practical application for us is:

• Stay rooted in prayer: drawing strength from God each day is essential as it renews our spirits and reminds us of our dependence on him.
• Encourage one another: Paul, in our header scripture, begins by saying, ‘as for you, brethren’ (‘brothers and sisters’ NIVUK). We need one another to provide support, to share burdens, and keep us going.
• Focus on Christ, not outcomes: our motivation is not to be for human recognition or praise, but rather faithfulness to our Lord.
• Rest in God’s grace: we are not called to do everything, but to do what we can, trusting in God’s strength and leaving the results to him.

In a world that can be cynical and discouraging, may we be people known for persistent goodness. For in this, we not only follow Jesus, but we shine his light into the world, one act of goodness at a time.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead 
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:  
wordoflife@gracecom.church