I like the often told fable of the Lion with the thorn in his paw that he couldn't get out on his own. A human comes along and risks his life to get it out. Can you imagine the increase in the pace of your heart beat if you were to take on such a task? To remove a thorn from a Lion's paw, a paw that is almost the size of your head? You would have to be wondering as you are getting that thorn out, if the Lion will respond with thanks or will he turn on you and snuff your life out?!
I suppose that the answer is that the reaction will depend on which Lion you happened upon! It could go either way and it is a risk!
I've had all reactions. There have been people who I have helped to deal with the situations in their life respond with gratitude, others have responded with indifference and some have turned on me to try and kill me. Some have done two or even all three over a period of time!
Love has to be the motivation. Love so strong that a person is willing to lay down his life for that one who is in need even if the one to attack you is the very one you are helping. This kind of love is only possible when our love is made complete by having a true love relationship with Jesus Christ. A love with Jesus that is so strong that it comes from our marriage to Him and our shared love for others with Him. Many are called to care, but few are chosen. There are several reasons why and this is one of them.
Sometimes when I have been beaten, bruised, dishonored and attacked, I want to play it safe... withdraw... put up a wall. But then I find that I become ineffective in ministry. Thorns stay in paws, people remain harassed and the enemy is not deflected.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't be careful. Of course, a tranquilizer gun is a necessary accessory and if a person has been identified as one who is definitely going to try to destroy you, then you should not place yourself in their line of fire. But we do need to be willing to get as close as possible to those in need, to spend time when it's not convenient or fun.
We do have to be willing to take calculated and loving risks.
In our Church in Manila, our theme song for the year is "Spirit Touch Your Church." One of the lines says "I want to care for others, like Jesus cares for me."
John 15:13 (NLT) "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Jesus laid down His life for His friends. That means those who would obey His Word. That means those who would have a personal relationship with Him and spend eternity with Him. But He did it for everyone even before they were His friends. We need to be the same way. Lay our lives down for those who will become friends of Jesus.
