We reap what we sow

Opinion

We reap what we sow

Rev Ron Skivington reminds us that showing kindness to others is essential for building community and, as our thoughts turn to harvest, the principle of reaping what we sow has never been more relevant

We have enjoyed living in Stalham, and have found it to be a good community to have brought our family up in. You can always find someone to talk to, will receive smiles in the High Street, and will meet kind, friendly and helpful people
 
Sadly, across wider society there is much we are reading or hearing about that is neither kind, friendly or supportive towards those who, in some way or other, are classed as different. Yet again we have heard of high-profile sportspeople being abused for their colour or performance, while others are made aware that their political or religious views place them on watch lists, and in some cases, that has led to arrests and court proceedings
 
Protests highlighting this or that cause are happening in many of our city centres, sometimes spilling over into violence as opposing mindsets clash. We know those who troll, intimidate, threaten, spread misleading social media messaging with the intent of stirring a reaction that can lead to physical, or emotional harm are in a minority, but their influence can be substantial and wide reaching
 
Isolation can come as a result of many things that affect us, like health, bereavement, financial circumstances, lack of knowledge of where to find help and support, while some still remain in lockdown mode, either physically or in their minds, and all such things can create inner loneliness, making those affected feel like strangers and outsiders in their own land
 
It makes God’s words to His people stand out: “Neither mistreat strangers nor the oppressed, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” [Exodus 22:21]. In their days of slavery, the people of Israel were not well treated - life was very hard, conditions they were forced to live in were harsh. Treat others as you would want to be treated is part of the message, for “Israel you know what it is like to have been subjected to abuse; therefore rather than respond in kind, treat others with respect and dignity”
 
The original context was harvest-time: “When you harvest, don’t reap right into the corners of your fields, nor go back and pick up what you missed on the first cut - leave them for the poor and the stranger” [Leviticus 23:22]
 
There are people who, for whatever reason, are living among you who have very limited access to the basic necessities of life, but you have it in your power to do something that might make life a little easier for them
 
It is easy to have a “me and mine first - what we have is ours” attitude, but one lesson life has taught me is that when we try and cling on tightly to something it often begins to slip through our fingers, whereas to share seems to make what’s left go further. The principle “we reap what we sow” does not just apply at harvest time
 
We have many generous, kind, good hearted people in our wider community; people who, even though they may not realise it, are living and acting in line with God’s instructions, which were designed to create a healthy, well balanced, integrated society where everyone counts, and is treated fairly and justly
 
As we thank God for the harvest He has given us this year, remember that it is not just about crops - may we become a community where no-one feels isolated without others to turn to, but a model of the best kinds of care and support.

This article first appeared in the Harvest 2025 edition of Stalham Community Scene
 
The photo is courtesy of Kevin Gotts

Rev Ron Skivington is Senior Pastor of Stalham Baptist Church