Sowing And Reaping
For Women By Women
Submitted by Paula Neff
September 27, 2024
Ps 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Sowing and reaping is a law of the natural world. On the third day of creation, God commanded the earth to bring forth living plants bearing seed and fruit with seed in it. Since the beginning, man has understood the process of sowing and reaping.
Sowing and reaping is also a law of the spiritual world. Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” There are consequences to our actions. Every time we choose an action, we also choose the consequences of that action.
Sowing and reaping implies a wait. The farmer must be patient in order to see the fruit of his labors. God will bring forth a harvest of souls in His time. The Bible talks of the ministry as planting, watering, and reaping. We must faithfully labor in His field so that He can bring about His harvest.
We reap in kind to what we sow. If we plant apple seeds, we expect to harvest apples. If we sow anger, we should expect to receive what anger naturally produces—damaged relationships, hardened heart, impaired decision-making, inconsiderate behavior, internal stress, and broken fellowship with God. Galatians 6:8 – “...soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption...soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Plant the Gospel, and you can expect a harvest of souls.
We reap proportionately to what we sow. The more seeds planted, the more fruit harvested. 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “…soweth sparingly ...reap also sparingly...soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” In giving, the Bible makes it clear that those who show generosity will be blessed more than those who don’t. It is the spirit in which the gift is given rather than the amount that is important. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Even the widow’s mites were noticed by the Lord (Luke 21:2-3).
We reap more than what we sow. The law is related to multiplication. Jesus spoke of seed that brought forth a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown (Matthew 13:8). One grain of wheat produces a whole head of grain. One little lie can produce an out-of-control whirlwind of falsehoods that can injure many people. On the other hand, one kind deed or encouraging word can result in long-lasting blessings.
Consider: If you don’t like what you are reaping, you better change what you are sowing.
