"Love Them Anyway"
II Corinthians 12:15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
Sometimes you give and give of yourself to others,
and you’re not appreciated. Your giving doesn't bring
the response you thought it would bring you. God said
– "Do it anyway!"
Then, there are those times, you go out of your way to
help others. You have a kind heart, and it pains you
to see someone with a necessity. You are one of God's
tender-hearted ones who takes other people's burdens
and tries to help them carry them. If you find
yourself, being misused, and taken for granted, love
them anyway. Remember, every time you send blessings
to the necessity of others, fruit is abounding to your
heavenly account.
Paul is saying in our scripture, that he will very
gladly spend and be spent for the saints in Corinth.
He knew that it would not be in vain, for him to
share with the household of faith.
When you do what you do in godly love, you know that
God, who sees in secret, shall reward you openly.
After all, you’re not giving to get anything in
return, are you? You’re not coming to another man’s
rescue for your name to be praised, are you? Whatever
good you’re doing, are you not doing it in the name of
Jesus, who is Love?
Let others think they are using you - God knows. It
is His divine love moving you to love people more
abundantly, even though you're being loved less.
This is a test, my friend. Show yourself approved
unto Him with whom we have to do.
What is the motive for your deeds of love? Are you a
man-pleaser or a God-pleaser? When you please God,
with your giving, your loving, and your helping, the
Bible says great is your reward in Heaven. Don't
become discouraged, or think your labor is in vain.
God isn't deceived. His plan is to reward your
spiritual labor. Prepare to reap life everlasting,
from your unselfish sowing. Be of good cheer!
Jesus didn't tell you that the world would fall at
your feet, because you're so loving, kind and helpful!
Sometimes, envy and resentment cloud people's
judgment, and they are unable to reciprocate in kind.
May God open their blind eyes, and pull them out of
this "ditch" into which they've fallen.
If you're not expecting accolades of praise, you'll
fare quite well. Do what you do, from a principle of
just having a compassionate, devoted concern for
someone else's well-being. In other words, love them
anyway, like Jesus did with Judas.
When the Word of knowledge discerns that someone is
using you, continue to love them and hail them as
"friend." St. Matthew 26:49-50 shows us that Judas
betrayed Jesus with a kiss, but the Lord did him "one
better," by responding with - "Friend, wherefore art
thou come?"
That word "friend" meant comrade or companion, and
Judas' conscience was sorely pricked. When you follow
Jesus' example and choose not to disown those who
don't appreciate you, God is pleased. Let God deal
with them. Trust the Lord to work this out for your
good. Your way might seem right, but it's His higher,
better way that will bring that person to their
senses, and enable them to see you for who you really
are. God's Word knows how to shine truth - at the
right time. Wait on God, and keep doing what you're
doing! Check your motive!
If you continue in well-doing, soon, your "Saul" will
seek you out and say - "I have sinned. . your soul is
precious in my eyes. . I have played the fool and have
erred exceedingly."
Imagine how this blessed David when the man who sought
to slay him, was touched by his persistent respect
saying: "Thou shalt both do great things, and also
shalt still prevail." Just think - your present
distress is not even worthy to be compared with that
wonderful moment in time, when your works will
manifest blessings.
Beloved, give people time to "grow up," and realize
that God wants to bless them with your love, your
help, and your kindness. Please don't be so offended,
that you begin to feign love toward them, because
their lack of response has hurt your feelings. That
is the reaction of a babe - a carnal saint. Love
people anyway, whether you receive a "thank you" or
not.
Be patient in your love, and believe that their
inability to reciprocate in kind is only temporary.
Suffer long with their discourteous ways, and remember
from whence you came. You may have come a long way
(by the grace of the Word), but you still have a long
way to go.
Just as Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today,
and forever, so must your love be the same. Don't let
it be said that you are double-minded and your love
turns on and off. Oh, how that would grieve the Holy
Spirit, and bring a reproach upon our loving heavenly
Father.
Dear friend, continue sowing love in spite of the
murmuring against yourself. Continue rejoicing in
giving, even though you're being ignored. Be
steadfast in thinking good thoughts about those who
mistreat you and overlook your kindness. Charity
suffereth long, and is kind. Receive your new name -
You are Charity. Charity doth not behave itself
unseemly. So this means you must stay calm,
sober-minded and faithful.
A change is coming after while. Charity does not seek
her own, and is not easily provoked. Don't let satan
provoke you to act like they are acting. Resist the
devil and he will flee. Cleave to this grace God's
bestowed upon you to be a giver. As you show love and
compassion, do it with simplicity (Romans 12:8) - not
in outward show or pride.
Pray for those who are loving you less (it seems), for
as you pray, the spirit of righteousness is conquering
tht unrighteous attitude.
Let all things be done decently and in order. God is
beholding your order (or lack of it) and your
behavior. Keep pleasing Him who hath called you unto
bowels of love and compassion, and so shall the sure
mercies of David abound in you.
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory forever. Amen!
