What are the Limits of My Responsibility?
 

Everyone who desires to follow the Lord Jesus cares about the people with whom they daily encounter. To love our neighbor as ourselves is part of the great commandment. (Mark 12:30,31) When Jesus was asked about who receives eternal life, He answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. His message was, "to love and care for your neighbor - the one nearest you". (Luke 10:30-37)

 

Loving your neighbor as yourself is best described in what we call the Golden Rule: "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:7) Most of us want people to do anything possible to help us in our time of need. Therefore, we understand that we should be willing to do the same for them. However, this is where many difficulties arise in our lives. How far should we go to help others? What is my Christian responsibility? 

 

Jesus saw a sick man one day and asked him, "Do you wish to get well?" Why did Jesus ask him that? The answer will deliver you from unnecessary stress and difficulties when trying to help other people. Jesus knew that if the man didn't want to get well, then there was no point in trying to heal him. And herein lies the great truth...

 

     "We cannot care for or help anyone more than they care about themselves."

 

We can and should be willing to do anything in our power, but it is futile to waste efforts on people who don't care if they are delivered, helped, taught, etc. Those efforts and resources are best used on those who want to change. We can't live others lives for them. Stop trying to do so. Pray earnestly that they will be enlightened and open to receive from the Lord. And don't ever stop being willing and available to help anyone who desires it, and give them everything that they are willing to receive.  

 

May the Lord grant each of us the spiritual discernment to recognize who wants help and who does not. 

 


Our Mission is to declare the Truth.
Thank you for helping us!
(John 8:32) 
New Life Church
10800 Hammerly Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77043
713-932-1479