Relationships

Ever put energy into people only to find their motives with you aren't what you expected them to be? That maybe their relationship with you wasn't as genuine as you thought it was? Maybe they were using you for personal gain? Maybe they found an easy target in your generosity to them?

I can say I've been on the receiving end of these types of relationships over my life. I'm not complaining as I put myself in the situations that led to such things. I am one to give people the benefit of the doubt and I am one to look for good in all people. I get told that this is not a good way to look at people around me as they will take advantage of me. Somehow, I know this, yet it doesn't matter. I can't change who I am or what I'm supposed to do for others. However, even though some think I can't tell the difference between someone who wants me around genuinally and someone who wants to use me, I can tell the difference. I just don't let on that I know and keep my guard up, usually without anyone knowing.

I've said before that I love meeting people and talking with them. Yesterday, I was talking to some people who were waiting for a loved one. I admitted to them I better go away from them as I tend to be a "yacker". They laughed but talked to me anyway. We talked about chickens and illness.....a broad spectrum of topics, but it was enjoyable. Now, I just met these people and they seemed genuine in their discussion with me about their life. No one asked for money, no one wanted to come home with me.....which has been asked of me before.....just getting to know someone else in a way I may never have been able to had we not been in the same place at the same time. Will I ever see them again, probably not, but it's ok.

Others I meet, relationships get established. We talk, message, text, hang out now and then.....but even these relationships can go sour even when you put time and energy into it. You could have the best of intentions in being with the person and think everything is going well in the relationship only to find one day things weren't as you thought they were with the person. This too is ok.

I believe we meet people and establish relationships with them because our God wants us to talk to people. He wants us to bring people in close to us and have attachments to them. We are called to share the gospel with people all the time. How can we do that if we don't ever talk to anyone? We have to use good judgement in who we allow closer than others, I guess. I've found this out the hard way over the years, but I didn't let it deter me from meeting and being close with others. I've found that if we let one wrong or failed relationship have a hold on us, and it causes us to withdraw from others,  we are not living in the full potential God has for us. We are not doing what He has called us to do. Love Him, love others,and make disciples. If we let people and how they interact with us control our future with others, we are failing our God and His commands for us.

People and situations with them in relationships can be difficult, but at the same time, we grow and learn and can have beautiful relationships with others. A friend shared this verse with me today and wants me to remember it.....Matthew 10:16 - (Jesus talking)....I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
What this verse tells me is to have our guard up when it comes to people. Read them. Find out if they are legit in what they say and do. We have an obligation to spend time with people and love them, but that does not mean we have to be a doormat for them either. Do our part for God and one day He will be glorified in our actions. Remember in the end.....we will only answer to Him for our life and our choices.