Luke 6:31-36
"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Do you remember when you were a kid and teams were chosen for a game like kick-ball? Remember the kids who were such bad athletes – or so disliked – that they were the last ones chosen? Sadly, this is how we often treat people on every level. It’s the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” syndrome. If we don’t stand to get something out of a relationship or the things we do for another – or if we feel these people “bring nothing to the table” - we’re not interested! So we pick and choose who is important – in our social circle, our church, our classes at school, the workplace, our community… and every facet of our lives. We focus our time and attention on these people. And should one of them do something we don’t like – or fail to boost our ego enough or repay our kindnesses and good deeds – they are off the list, too!
If you have ever been on the receiving end of such treatment, you know that it’s no fun! Everyone wants to be liked and respected… to be treated as if he/she has value. Nobody wants to feel like others treat them in a certain manner simply for what can be gained. By the same token, most people do not enjoy doing things for others out of obligation – or in a “tit-for-tat” situation - either! In other words, I don’t want to be someone’s friend because of my “position” – either real or perceived… who I know, what my socio-economic status is, what I do for a living, or because that person is interested in what I can do for him/her.
The most enjoyable exchanges are those in which one person does something for another out of love, kindness, generosity of spirit… “just because”… whether you are the recipient or the one who is providing the “gift.” A few years ago, Christmas carolers visited my grandmother’s house one evening. She told me the next day, “I was never so embarrassed!” When I asked why, she replied, “Well, I didn’t have a thing to give them!” I told her that these young people from her church did not come by to serenade her in anticipation of a payment! They came to bring her joy and cheer during the holidays. Sadly, she failed to fully enjoy their gift, because she was so worried about how to repay them. I think she spent part of the time the kids were singing scrounging her kitchen for cookies and candy to share with them instead of enjoying their performance.
Until we learn to give of ourselves without any anticipation of repayment, we will never experience true joy. If everything we do has to have a hidden agenda… if those we associate with have to be “in the club,” we will never know what it is to fully live in Christ. By the same token, if every time someone says or does something nice for us, we worry about how we will reciprocate, we have missed the blessing of the gift. Imagine if God treated us this way. What if every time He blessed us, God expected us to immediately perform some act of service or ministry on His behalf? Would we do it? Would we genuinely desire to follow Him?
Our life in Christ is based on unconditional love. Jesus loves us no matter what… and we love Him because of this. If we felt He only loved us and met our needs according to what we could give back in return… some of us might work harder to try and “earn” His blessings. But I am betting that more of us might throw up our hands and say, “I’ll never be good enough… what’s the point?” And either way, we would lose… because the Spirit and intention of our behaviors would not be right.
What do you want people to do for you? What do you want GOD to do? What are YOU doing in for God – and for others in His name? How you answer these questions matters deeply. Take a good hard look at how God loves us and meets our needs. Think about how we are treated… and what is expected in return. Apply this to your own relationships. Follow the “Golden Rule” and treat others as you wish to be treated… even your adversaries and the unlovely! Love others and give of yourself without any thought of what you might receive from them. Be humble… forget about recognition or accolades. Never take advantage of others… never befriend someone for what you feel you can gain from the relationship. And when others do this to you, love them anyway. This is a tall order… but it’s incredibly important. How well are you doing these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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