Was Jesus Used?

 

I, and others, try to take to heart Jesus’ call to love the poor.  For some, almsgiving is a Lenten practice only.  For others, it is part of their life, their “love your neighbor,” as He did.

I’ve sometimes spoken of things I’ve done.  A lot of things have happened, including the forming of a charity to find those in need, many of which are so used to living in poverty they don’t seek out aid.  They assume no one loves them.  This charity finds those lonely people and matches them with people who do want to love them.  But along the way with that formal charity, and my meager attempts at loving my neighbor, I’ve sometimes heard comments from friends: “Just don’t let them take advantage of you.” Oh, that’s good advice, to be aware of the ways of the world, but I think it’s a bad assumption, to assume that all people are liars or cheats, especially the poor, whom Jesus said He loved, and whom He would judge us on how we loved.  Which brings me to the topic of this post.

Was Jesus used?  Did people take advantage of His very generous, loving soul?  Of course, the Bible doesn’t mention any such thing, but I think that by not mentioning it, it says a lot.  Whether it was the grieving woman burying her son, or the blind man asking “Would You heal me,” Jesus had many around Him whose plight certainly tugged at His heartstrings.  But seeing how generous and loving He was, were there some who sought to take advantage of Him?  Well, as God He could read their hearts, so He certainly could have sent them away.  But I think not.  “I came to save sinners” was His job description, and I think He included even thieves.  Remember, He did eat dinner with them.  Just sending them away would heal no one.

So what about me, and worries that someone might take advantage of my caring.  Well, if I’m to imitate Jesus, I think I must take it all the way, not just the ways I think are good for me. Yes, I am to protect the gifts He gave me and use them prudently, and so I do.  But sometimes it is not reasonably possible to know if someone is REALLY in need, regardless what I may feel about them.  Love of Neighbor isn’t something we’re commanded to feel good about, it’s something we are to will and act on.  Even if he doesn’t love you back.  Even if in some way he nails you to a cross.