Showing kindness when it’s appreciated is easy—but what about when it’s ignored, rejected, or even met with hostility? #LoveYourEnemies#GodlyKindness#PerseveringLove#christianforums#crosswalkforums#forums#crosswalk#faithcommunity#faithforums
It’s one thing to lend a hand when we know gratitude will follow, but Scripture pushes us into deeper waters—where kindness isn’t a transaction, but an act of obedience. This raises a tough question: How do we keep loving when our efforts seem wasted?
Jesus calls His followers to love even their enemies, to give without expecting repayment, and to reflect God’s character in the most lopsided of relationships. But that doesn’t erase the emotional strain, the doubts, or the weariness that can set in over time.
What does faithfulness look like in these moments? Is there a difference between loving persistently and enabling harmful behavior? How do we discern when to press on and when to step back, while keeping our hearts free from bitterness?
If we know they are in need we are to help them as best we can and yes to do this without expecting thanks or any repayment.
Part of this kindness is to tell them the gospel and if this is a.ways disdainful rejected we are to stop.
If someone we know is in need but is unwilling to discuss Christian things we don’t have to keep on helping them.
How hard is it to talk about why they don’t believe in Jesus, an unwillingness to talk seriously shows a closed mind and one that is only interested in gain.
Practicing this type of kindness is very tough to get started, and I’m definitely not very good at it. This is a bit off the exact target of the thread, but I have found that even in my own extended family, the kindness and love that Jesus taught makes inroads and builds relationships that accusations and arguing will never touch.
They all know what I believe and where I’m coming from. They know I don’t accept their beliefs or lifestyle. But they know that I accept them, and love them as well. At least we can sit down and have a conversation. And I’ve seen some start to come for advice, or when they are hurting. And one notable pagan got saved this year, just renewed his vows with his wife, and walks around with a smile on his face.
We all had a part in welcoming him in - it was a process. We know the Spirit of God attends every articulation of the Word of God, bringing conviction and truth confirmation.
But we do have to deny ourselves. It’s an effort for sure.
