Not Weary in Doing Good

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” – Romans 12:6-8

The gift of helps is one of the most beautiful expressions of the Holy Spirit at work in the church. It’s the instinct to step in, lift burdens, and make things happen. Those with this gift often live with a “less talk, more action” mindset. While others are still discussing the details of a church picnic, the helper already has the park reserved and the food prepared. This drive is a blessing—but it can also become a danger. Like Martha in Luke 10:40, we can become impatient with those who don’t move at our pace or serve in the same way. Martha saw Mary as a “loiterer,” but Jesus reminded her that Mary was exactly where she needed to be in that moment. Not everyone serves the same way, and not everyone is in the same season.

Another danger comes when our service shifts from the Spirit to the flesh. When we serve out of devotion, our work becomes an offering to God. But when we stop seeking the Lord daily, our service can turn into obligation—and eventually into resentment. We begin craving recognition, and when it doesn’t come, we slip into a martyr mindset: “Nobody appreciates me… I do everything around here.” Scripture warns us of this trap. Epaphroditus is a sobering example—he worked himself “almost unto death” (Philippians 2:27, NKJV) because he kept picking up the slack for others. His heart was sincere, but he became ineffective for a season because he was stretched beyond what God intended. The need is not always the call. Sometimes stepping in too quickly keeps someone else from stepping into their calling.

The gift of helps is powerful, but it must be guided by the Spirit, not driven by exhaustion or frustration. Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8, NKJV). Fruitfulness requires wisdom, boundaries, and daily dependence on the Lord. Helpers must remember that the body of Christ is made up of many gifts, many roles, and many seasons. When we honor those differences, we serve in harmony. If you have the gift of helps, thank God for it—it is a treasure to the church. But guard your heart. Serve in the Spirit, not in the flesh. Celebrate the gifts of others instead of becoming impatient with them. And when you feel stretched thin, be honest with the Lord and ask Him to raise up more laborers. Your calling is not to do everything, but to do what God has asked of you—joyfully, wisely, and fruitfully.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9