by Angela Moreno

Some of us have been given the gift of a giving heart and have been taken advantage of because of our giving hearts.  It’s painful when someone we care about takes advantage of our kindness and are ungrateful for the help that we give to them.  Unfortunately, society has changed and many people now have a “me” attitude and will take, take, take instead of giving to others.  Some want more than they deserve without having to put in the work for it.

I know my first reaction in these kinds of situations can be an emotional reaction and not a rational reaction. The Bible gives us a step by step guide of how we should react when we are faced with unkind situation.

1. Show kindness. Just because someone is being unkind to you doesn’t mean you have to react in the same manner. Most of the time our reaction will set the stage for the entire situation. Ephesians 4:32: Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
2. Don’t let your anger control you. When we react in anger, we make the situation 100 times worse. Our reaction causes a chain reaction of events. Controlling our anger breaks the chain. Take the time to think through the situation. Psalm 4:4: Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
3. Pray about the situation. God has the answer to EVERYTHING. Let Him guide you through your next steps. And don’t forget to pray for that person who treated you unkindly. They need guidance too. Luke 6:27-28: But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
4. Be honorable. Don’t repay unkindness with unkindness. Don’t repay sin with sin. Our reaction should be Godly. Remember the old saying “what would Jesus do?” and react the way you believe Jesus would. Romans 12:17: Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
5. Forgive them. Anger and resentment fester in our hearts and rot us from the inside out. Give the situation to God, forgive the person who did you wrong, and move on. Luke 6:37: Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

Don’t give up on giving to others and being a kind friend. Be joyful and know that what you are doing is pleasing to God especially if God has impressed it upon your heart to help out another person.  2 Corinthians 9:7-8 says: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God will generously provide all you need.

God saw us lost and in sin.  He chose to give up his only son Jesus to show us how much He loved us and still many choose to turn away from Him.  God gave us a huge gift with no attachments to let us know He was willing to reach us wherever we are.  So don’t lose your giving heart.  Continue to do what God impresses upon you and you will reap what you sow.