We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also. - 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
Being a parent isn’t easy. (Go ask your mom or dad if you don’t believe me!). Sometimes even the people we try to help the most won’t appreciate what we’re doing for them. After all that Paul had done for them, the Corinthians still casually disregarded him. This hurt Paul just like it would hurt us. But Paul didn’t give up on them. (The letter of 2 Corinthians is proof enough of that.) When those you’re trying to train don’t respond as you’d like them to, remember that helping people grow is a long-term process. It’s not about a one-month or two-month commitment but a lifetime of sharing your life with them. Look past your own hurt and see the big picture. The people we’re trying to help will probably come around eventually, but we have to stay committed.
Have you ever been ignored after you invested a lot into someone?
How did you handle it?
Ask God to help you persevere in helping others – even when they don’t give much back in return.
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