“She has,” said he, “the milk of human kindness coursing through her veins.” So goes the line from a story of long ago. In the ministry, we work with all types of people, don’t we? I think, based upon our own experiences and the conversations I’ve had with many in the ministry, one of the most difficult aspects of the ministry for many can be the hurtful comments, actions, and even innuendos that come from those we’ve endeavored to help the most. You just never expect it from them because we have this funny notion that the brothers and sisters we’ve really stood beside, supported, and literally pulled up to higher ground would be our Acquillas and Priscillas for the duration of our ministries—if not our lives. But I’ve known more pastors than not, who agree that this is not usually the case.
I think—overwhelmingly—the people of God have that milk of human kindness in them. As I write this, I see the faces of members of our own church who are so Christlike, so consistent and so kind. They serve—boy do they serve! They smile, they assist, they offer—they’re right on the hub. They obviously love Christ and that loves shines out of them in all they do—in all they are. Their love for their Pastor and his family—by the way—is passed right on to their beautiful children. Talk about wise parenting! Talk about a win-win situation! Your kids will never have a better friend than your pastor.
The problem for us comes when we get so hurt because we expect the same love and kindness that we’ve shown to be reciprocated. But think with me know, is that really Christian thinking? Should we walk around all hurt and down-in-the-dumps because of all we’ve done for someone? No, we shouldn’t. Eyes on Christ, and take your eyes off those who may mistreat you for a moment and ask yourself, “Am I always appreciative of all Christ has done for me? Am I quick to thank Him and shower Him with praise? Does He have my undying loyalty? Am I His Acquilla or Priscilla?” If your answer to all of theses questions is the same as mine—a lame, pathetic, “No,” then really, we don’t even have the right or the “luxury” of spending one moment more worrying about how others treat us. Keep serving, keep working, keep loving the Lord. Jesus himself said offences would come. But commit Romans 8:31 to memory, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” What promise there is in that verse, and what inspiration! Tonight, when you pillow your head, leave these heartaches and hurts with the Lord and dwell instead on Christ and how much we owe our great Saviour.
I think—overwhelmingly—the people of God have that milk of human kindness in them. As I write this, I see the faces of members of our own church who are so Christlike, so consistent and so kind. They serve—boy do they serve! They smile, they assist, they offer—they’re right on the hub. They obviously love Christ and that loves shines out of them in all they do—in all they are. Their love for their Pastor and his family—by the way—is passed right on to their beautiful children. Talk about wise parenting! Talk about a win-win situation! Your kids will never have a better friend than your pastor.
The problem for us comes when we get so hurt because we expect the same love and kindness that we’ve shown to be reciprocated. But think with me know, is that really Christian thinking? Should we walk around all hurt and down-in-the-dumps because of all we’ve done for someone? No, we shouldn’t. Eyes on Christ, and take your eyes off those who may mistreat you for a moment and ask yourself, “Am I always appreciative of all Christ has done for me? Am I quick to thank Him and shower Him with praise? Does He have my undying loyalty? Am I His Acquilla or Priscilla?” If your answer to all of theses questions is the same as mine—a lame, pathetic, “No,” then really, we don’t even have the right or the “luxury” of spending one moment more worrying about how others treat us. Keep serving, keep working, keep loving the Lord. Jesus himself said offences would come. But commit Romans 8:31 to memory, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” What promise there is in that verse, and what inspiration! Tonight, when you pillow your head, leave these heartaches and hurts with the Lord and dwell instead on Christ and how much we owe our great Saviour.
