When I read the gospels I see that Jesus never tried to force His ministry on anyone. He did travel to make Himself available, but He didn't beg anybody to receive His help. There were enough people that wanted His help, in fact so many He had to get away from it all at times. Jesus responded to the people that came to Him, and when the people saw that He was a Healer His reputation spoke for Him. And when the people did come to Jesus for help Jesus - who is God - didn't say "I know what the problem is, let me fix it." He asked them what they wanted from Him. Oh how much we have to learn from Jesus.

When I was in college I took a vocabulary class and one of the words we studied was officious. I never forgot that word. It means offering unwanted help; meddlesome and intrusive. Even if a person needs help and you have the ability to help them, if they don't want your help and you persist you will only succeed in annoying them. I know how frustrating it can be when you see someone in need and they refuse your help, but we have to know when to back off. People have to be ready and willing to receive help. Some people simply won't see you as someone who can help and that's their right. Don't waste your time trying to prove your ability/worth/value. Some people don't want our help no matter how much we love them.

So what do we do? Do we give up on those we love? No, we continue to pray for them, but we don't force ourselves on them. There is a saying that what you do for others God will do for you. Sow into the lives of those who want your help and trust God will work in the lives of those you haven't been able to reach. Go help someone else's brother and trust God to help your brother. Trust God will bring the people to you that you are able to reach.

Part 2 tomorrow.