Jesus told a parable of a widow who repeatedly begged a judge for help. Eventually he agreed. Many think this passage is about the relentless pursuit of justice, but that's not why Jesus told this story. Before it begins, we're given the reason --- to show [His disciples] that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1) Do we ever give up?

"Giving up" occurs in many ways, but three are especially important to understand. They may concern similar actions or attitudes, but the nature of each is not the same. In the passage above, the word Luke used points to fear. People are afraid or timid. The courage to carry on is missing. They lose heart. Desire is overcome by fear. And in their despair, they give up.

Paul also spoke of "giving up". Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) The word Paul chose does not look to fear, but exhaustion. People often put forth great effort, but over time they can weaken. No help comes. Sincere desire fades as weariness grows. They give up because they give out.

The last manner of "giving up" is considerably different. It has nothing to do our emotional state, as Luke mentioned, or our physical condition, as Paul described. This one goes directly to where we are spiritually. The writer of Hebrews referred to it. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. (Hebrews 10:25a)

The word used here means to abandon, leave behind, or forsake, leaving one uncared for. This is also about an ending, but it is not rooted in fear or exhaustion. This "giving up" finds as its source...decision. Desire is neither overcome nor fading, but narrows into selfish focus. It rules completely. People consider what's best for themselves. They turn their backs and walk away. They choose to give up.

Each of us knows what it's like to give up --- sometimes with good reason, sometimes not. We may experience a sense of failure that we carry for years. Or we may learn from the experience, redirect our lives, and move forward again to a goal we once thought elusive. And most of us, if not all, also know what it's like to be on the receiving end...when someone turns away and gives up on us.

In the verses above, the initial focus is on the interactions and relationships within a group of people --- those who follow Jesus and believe in Him. The message is simple: Do not give up on each other. Don't allow fear, fatigue, or selfish desire to dictate your actions. Love one another. (John 13:34) Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

But there's a deeper message, one from the heart of God: Do not give up on me. "Don't allow fear, fatigue or selfish desire to interfere in our relationship. Do what I've told you to do. Live as I've told you to live." I am the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6) If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24) "Talk with me! Walk with me!"

Life can be hard. We give up when we should carry on. We give up on others. We give up on ourselves. And sometimes we give up on God. Yet from the time of Moses (Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you --- Hebrews 13:5b) to this time of Christ (And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age --- Matthew 28:20b), God has made it clear. He has not turned away. He has not abandoned us. He has not given up.