Examining our Motives

A friend of mine, who is a business owner was telling me about an employee who was talking badly about her behind her back. It was especially hurtful because she had invested a lot of her emotional support and believed in her often when she didn't deserve it. These kinds of betrayals are hurtful. When we give and give, only to have the person turn on us, especially when the accusations are unfounded.

One of our members told me a story that very same day that is a very tangible picture of what this looks like. He and a friend were sitting outside Toot 'n Totum drinking a cup of coffee. A woman came over, who was obviously high, and asked him to buy her a cup of coffee. He told me that he felt sorry for her, so he went in and purchased her a large cup of coffee. When he handed it to her, she immediately took the brand new cup of coffee and threw it on him. She then took off. Wow!

I think situations like these are a good time for us to step back and examine our motives. Do we invest and believe in people with hopes that they will in turn be grateful and appreciate us? Do we do something nice for someone expecting them to say thank you? Or, do we do it because that is what love looks like?

Betrayal is so very painful. I was reminded of Jesus when he washed the disciples feet. He KNEW that Judas would betray him, yet he still washed his feet. He KNEW that Peter would deny him, and the other disciples would run away and abandon him when he needed them the most. He washed their feet. Serving and loving is not easy. Believing in those that no one else believes in and investing in them often brings disappointment and pain. We must choose if we are going to do it anyway.

Isn't that what we all do at the PARC? We choose to show value and believe in people because that is what love looks like. The result is often not what we would hope. We don't invest in them for the preferred results and the successes. We invest in them and believe in them because that is what love looks like. That is the place where God takes over and He becomes responsible for the results. That is the place where miracles happen because love conquers all. We aren't responsible for the outcome. All we can do is choose to love, accept and believe in them. Then we leave them to God, because that is when He does his best work.