I think sometimes, in our walk with Jesus, we each have the best of intentions for others who God has placed on our hearts. In our minds, we think, as long as we are kind and loving and reach out, they will reciprocate those efforts and appreciate them. But the truth is, you can't make someone love you, even if your motives are pure. Sometimes, that person who you are trying to witness to will reject you. Sometimes, it's awkward, because you try so hard to show them Jesus. Sometimes, they just plain won't be interested in what you have to offer, and that can really hurt! Part of the frustration is that when we do something for others in a genuine spirit and it is not appreciated, we feel personally
Colossians 3: 12-15 states, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another...And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."
Let's break portions of this scripture down, shall we? On the surface, it seems like a sweet little advice for daily living, but it is so much deeper than that. First, we see that Paul is calling us to acquire a God-like heart and attitude of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. That in itself is a mouth full and one of the most difficult challenges of being an effective Christian, because it requires us to deny us!
Compassion, according to the dictionary, means to be concerned for the affairs of others. How easy that is when the one you extend this expression to is just as concerned for you, but what about those who don't seem to be moved by your efforts? What about that co-worker who seems too obsessed with their career to get to know you? Or that family member who always acts annoyed when you walk into the room? Showing compassion can be easy at first, because we expect it to be received well, but what happens when it's not? Do we give up (the way I really want to right now)? No! We are called, by God, to wear compassionate hearts and there are no exceptions to that request.
Compassion is not possible without kindness and kindness puts us in vulnerable places which ushers in the need for humility and meekness. To be humble is to put someone first. To be meek is to be yielding. I for one hate to be yielding. I hate to feel as if I am being stepped on. I hate to feel as if I am being taken for granted; yet scripture demands it.
In our natural ways of thinking, "You scratch my back and I scratch yours" makes so much sense! It's comfortable, because you know there is a guarantee that you will get something out of the deal. But this verse in Colossians expects us to expect nothing in return! As we learn to love like Jesus, we have to develop the maturity to recognize that not everyone will love us back (John 15:18), not everyone will appreciate us and not everyone will desire a relationship with us. It's just the facts. Sometimes, its intimidation: people see a strong Christian woman and compare themselves... feeling inferior because they recognize the standard to which you live by is higher than theirs. Sometimes, its envy: people will assume that you think you are better then they are because you live without compromise and so, instead of them dealing with their own sin, they reject you because you have renounced sin in your life. Sometimes, it's feelings of unworthiness: they might consider themselves not good enough to associate with you because they see Jesus in you and mistake that for perfection; and sometimes, they just plain won't like you, for no apparent reason at all. Yet, Jesus still requires us to love, anyhow.
When Christ puts someone on your heart to reach out to, realize that it is strategic for your growth and development and it is a spiritual calling. There is beauty in rejection, because it shows us the daily position that Christ allows Himself to be placed in for mankind. He willingly offered Himself to the world, knowing that some would not appreciate Him. He calls us to do the same.
The natural question will always be: How much is too much? When is enough enough? As I write to you, I am battling theses exact same questions in my heart. "Lord, I've been dealing with this disappointment in reaching out to this person over and over again and it seems to only get worse. I give up! Please don't make me do it any more."... Yet, I know that I cannot give up; not if my goal is to please Jesus. I'm not saying it's easy... Lord knows I'm not saying it's easy! But odds are, we aren't living this Christian life because it's easy. Being a Christian is a daily struggle in so many areas at once. It is a constant battle against our own natural selves, allowing the Love of Christ and the Power of God's Holy Spirit to take over in our hearts and mold us to look like Jesus. Molding is a process and it requires lots of patience and a willing heart.
My heart is so willing!!!!!!!! Isn't yours? Even in the hurt and the frustration and the trying and the efforts and the rejection and the disappointment and the tears and the confusion and the unfairness and the humility, kindness, patience, meekness and compassion, it's my hearts desire to look like Jesus, love like Jesus and live like Jesus. I'm confident to believe that it is your heart's desire as well.
We who profess Christ do so at the risk of being rejected. But we cannot let that fear intimidate us or cause us to give up! We cannot allow ourselves to be discouraged! So, instead of praying for God to make things easier or to give us an out when it comes to loving difficult people, let's start praying that God give us more opportunities to share His love with others. Let's seek God in asking Him to give us a stronger heart that won't give up on "so and so", regardless of the hurt you may feel. In this way, we are being more like Jesus than we may realize. We will be operating with His heart towards someone who doesn't realize how much they need Him, and regardless of their response (whether they begin to come around or push you further and further away) our Heavenly Father will be so pleased and one day, we will hear Him say, "Well done".
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
It seems like an impossible burden I have towards someone whom I know you love. I've tried all I can think of to reach out to this person. I've tried to be kind and loving like you, but sometimes the rejection just seems too heavy for me. Sometimes, I just want to walk away and give up. I get tired of being kind with no response from their end. I get frustrated when my efforts aren't appreciated or received well. But Lord, I know that loving others is not about me; it's about you. Help me to love like you do. Help me to have compassion in my heart and kindness towards those You love! Help me, Lord, to seek opportunities to extend myself in hopes that my love will point them to you. Give me discernment on when to speak and when not to. Teach me to wait on your perfect timing and in the mean time, help me to stay diligent in prayer concerning others. Give me confidence and courage to continue to try. Thank you Lord for loving me and thank you Lord for teaching me to love others. I pray that you will be pleased in everything I say and in everything I do.- Amen
Love them for no reason at all. Love them because Jesus loved them first!
~Pearls
No comments:
Post a Comment