We’ve probably all seen posts on social media that say something to the effect of ‘I’m done with people who bring me down’...’ I’m only surrounding myself with encouragers.’ Or something like this. No more unhealthy people, right?
When I see posts like these, I get it and am tempted to cheer. Hey, we’ve all had our fair share of jerks. Negativity is everywhere; it’s downright rampant in our society right now. The saying “hurting people hurt people” couldn’t be more accurate than now.
But something (or Someone) stops me from reposting these negative sayings. I always feel a check in my spirit. Again, I’m not saying I’m not annoyed with the negativity. I’m just saying I cannot be done with people. I simply can’t do it.
Oh, I could quit social media in a heartbeat. I’m saying that I cannot just put my "done" hand up and stop talking or being with those who don’t feed me, who don’t enrich me, who don’t make me a better person. Simply because I cannot make it all about me. It hurts to say this, but it’s true. I know there is a place and time to be self-protective, but for me, I have to be welcoming. I have to love. I have to be kind. I cannot judge. At least I shouldn't.
Many Christians and people in helping professions feel the same; it gets weary sometimes. Although I know there is always rest for the weary, and I do understand that we all have problems, even some having mental health issues, it gets complicated in terms of how to deal with these issues, not just if we should.
Our perspective makes the difference. We cannot be done with people. Why? Instead of thinking about our own personal distress, try thinking of why they are seeking you out in the first place. Likely, they see a light and strength in you that they need. It was the same way when Jesus walked the earth. Jesus answered when the Pharisees complained about him eating and drinking with sinners that “those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick.” Luke 5:31
It was the sick, the people with mental health issues, the people with problems, and the poor who sought out Jesus. It is the same with us.
So if we find people who haven’t gotten their lives together, who aren’t emotionally healthy, who come from dysfunction and go straight into another dysfunctional situation are the people seeking us out, who are drawn to us, maybe it’s our peace, joy, and love that they crave. Just maybe. These folks likely will have nothing to give us. But that cannot be our yardstick. Consider asking God to help us discern and give us wisdom in how to proceed.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a - “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. Love never fails.”
How does the scripture compare to your relationships with your relationship with others?
Comments