Open Hands or a Closed Heart?

[KeptByTheWord]

I read this article yesterday. It ministered to my heart deeply. I hope it blesses you too.

Open Hands or a Closed Heart?

One of the most intriguing passages in the New Testament is John 2:24-25. Read it and tell me if you don’t agree: “…Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew what people were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature.”(New Living Translation)

Simply put, Jesus didn’t trust people. But then again, how could He? He knows us too well. He knows we are fickle, unreliable, changeable, self-absorbed and worst of all, habitually sinful. Like Peter we like to boast in our fidelity under all circumstances (John 13:37). But when the going gets tough, we more often than not head for an exit. Peter did. And so did the remaining ten disciples. Once Jesus was arrested, John said they all “forsook him and fled” (Matthew 26:56).

Think about this for a moment. Jesus foreknew (knew in advance) everything that was going to happen (John 16:32). He knew Judas would betray Him. He knew Peter would deny Him. And He knew the other ten would desert Him. Yet despite His foreknowledge, Jesus still washed their feet so He could show them the full extent of His love (John 13:1). When He had finished washing their feet He told them, (and by extension, us as well), “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)

But how do we do this? How do I allow myself to be vulnerable and loving towards someone whom I know will let me down; especially if they have hurt me in the past? Aren’t they likely to do it again?

We do it in the same way that Jesus did. We don’t trust people; we trust God, who never fails or disappoints! When we are disappointed by others, a subtle kind of idolatry going on inside our hearts is revealed. It exposes the fact that we are looking to others to provide for us what only God can provide, safety! People can make promises, but even the best of men will fail to keep their promises sooner or later. But not God.

God is love. And His love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. His love never fails.(1 Corinthians 13:7, 8)

The point is this: If we rely upon people, they will disappoint us. In response, we will probably become guarded, cautious, distant, self-protective, resentful and even bitter. We will live with clenched fists and distant hearts. And with each new betrayal the walls around our heart will get taller and thicker; slowly strangling us like a boa constrictor.

If we rely upon God, betrayals will still hurt; but they will not derail us. Instead, they will drive us deeper into the Father’s heart and hands. The love we find there will be so rewarding that we will no longer live in fear of the hurt that people can do to us. As a consequence, we will live an open life, receptive and loving of others. We will live the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10.

The article can be found here: http://www.huckleberrynews.com/read-...ent-issue.html (April 2014 issue)

[KeptByTheWord]

I know this article has a rather deep, searing message, yet it really dealt with me. We've been "burned" many times trying to help people. You give and give and give, and then the one you gave so much to, is apt to turn around, and hurt you by doing the very things they said they would never do again, or may show no appreciation at all, or may hurt you deeply by rejecting you, and turning away from you.

I guess, for me, it helps to have the perspective to know that when I give, it is unto the Lord, whoever I give to.

I must remember that I need to look to the Lord as the one I am giving to, instead of the one who humanly has received it.

When we obey the hardest commandment that the Lord gave us "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", that means giving, helping, reaching out, even when there is no hope of any reward or return for your efforts. This is a very difficult thing to do, yet... when we look at the bigger picture, and realize that as we give unto others, we are really giving unto the Lord. His provision and care are far greater than any reward, thanks, or return a human could give back to us. There is a far more abundant life that can be lived when we realize that as we do unto others as we would have them do unto us, we are believing and trusting in the Lord that He is very capable of taking care of the sowing and reaping in that situation.

[ILG]

You make some good points. I think though, there is also a time to stop giving, or it becomes a certain sickness. The questions is where to draw the line.....

[KeptByTheWord]

Yes, I believe the Apostle Paul himself drew the line when he mentioned disfellowshiping those who would not work and support their family, and he also specified that only widows with no family to help them should be dependent upon the church for their support, but that if you were a widow and had family, the church wasn't expected to provide support.

So, it seems there are cases where helping someone who refuses to help themselves, seems to be where you can draw the line in the sand.

[lovelylife]

Thanks so much for posting! I really needed to hear this

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by lovelylife

Thanks so much for posting! I really needed to hear this

That's wonderful to hear!