
Prodigal: I love my friend!
Me: Speaking of love. We have given God countless reasons not to love us. But He still does.
This is from the book Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life by Kenneth C. Haugk
Now, there are many ways–some quite subtle–of treating a person as an object. For example, you could become so concerned about getting your own religious ideas across to the person with whom you talk that your forget there is an individual before you with unique problems that need to be ministered to. You also might be preoccupied with getting in Bible reading and prayers, forgetting that an individual might need these resources tailored to his or her own situation. Or you might be in such a hurry to share your faith with someone that you neglect to notice the person is not yet ready to hear your testimony.
Questions you always need to ask yourself are these: Am I here to help the other person, or am I here to help myself, to further my own goals? Am I using the tools of Christian helping to fulfill my own needs or the needs of the other person? If your words and your actions show that you have no ulterior motives for relating to someone, and you are interested solely in helping the person with is or her own unique needs–then you will avoid ministering to him or her as an object.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3 (KJV)
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org