Paying it Forward

Before I became a Christ follower, whenever I helped someone, I expected a reward of some kind. I use to get really upset when I’d help somebody and they didn’t have the common courtesy of at least saying thank you.

When I stopped being a fan of Christ and started following Him, there was a fundamental change in my perspective on life. I no longer expect a reward for my service, I’m simply following His call in my life. It’s not always easy either. Sometimes I argue with God when He asks me to do something…I’m sure He gets a chuckle out of that.

Recently I came under heavy personal attack. To make this even harder, the Lord said I was not to defend myself….He would be my vindicator. So they pummeled me with falsehoods and half truths. It hurt me deeply.

A few weeks after the attack, the principle made a mistake and was being verbally abused in a similar fashion. I felt vindicated and saw this as the Lord’s justice. Then our Father did something I did not expect. This person had acknowledged and apology for their mistake, yet was still being abused. The Lord told me to make a post encouraging folks to accept the apology and to let it go. So I did, even though I did not want to. Not long after that, the thread died. I’ve never heard from that person and do not expect to, my reward was in doing what He asked me to do.

A friend of mine once told me expectation is the breeding ground for disappointment. If you are led to help someone, do it because we are called to love God and love people, not because you will get some kind of earthly reward.

Blessings

Paying it Forward
TGIF Today God Is First NextGen
by Charis Hillman Brown

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil 2:12 & 13

Have you ever done something nice for someone who didn’t really appreciate it? Have you ever performed a gesture of kindness only to realize that the person on the receiving end didn’t care, or wasn’t reciprocal? Not feeling appreciated isn’t the greatest, but we have all experienced this at one time or another.

Have you ever mentored someone, spent hours on a worthy project, or given financial aid, only to learn that the outcome of your help, assistance or support was ineffectual, the project unsuccessful, or the money wasted? It’s frustrating and disappointing when these things happen, and we need to be wise about how we help others and where we devote our time. But, no matter the outcome, do you know what? The debt has already been paid.

When things like this happen, it might sting for a bit. But, we shouldn’t take it personally – we should instead lay the situation at the foot of the cross. Offense is one of the biggest snares of the enemy for Christians. Bitterness and unforgiveness can hold us captive for a lifetime. But, if we are able to give and love freely (not above our means to do so), we will find comfort in the fact that the debt has already been paid. Judas betrayed Jesus. Jesus knew he was going to do so. He chose him as His follower anyway.

“The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.”-Mother Teresa

We are, in essence, continuously repaying Jesus’ burden of love. How can you help? Get to know your neighbor. Be a friend. Be the kind word or give the smile someone needs to hear or see today. Even an authentic smile can change the world.

Are you paying it forward?