Render Aid

What does it take to get someone to behave? Positive or negative reinforcement? Rewards or punishment? Isolation, suspension, expulsion, or incarceration? Whatever tactic we use, we hope it works, so they change their behavior, make good choices, and obey the rules.

But what if the overly used methods don’t work? What if that individual doesn’t submit to authority, bucks the system, and just doesn’t care? Unfortunately, their negative choices will eventually destroy them.

Instead of looking at them as nuisances, the bad guys, or villains, we must look at them with the eyes of God. God loves everyone. We all fall short of His glory and everyone needs the saving grace of Jesus.

Sometimes we get a little self-righteous thinking we’re better than them. But in reality, we aren’t. We are all in the same boat. We all need atonement for our sins, the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us, and the blessings of God to sustain us.

Instead of looking the other way, we should look deep into their hearts. Usually, someone with such defiance is in the heightened mode of self-protection. They may have a history of pain, hurt, disappointment, and despair. If something triggers them, they might burst into a rage.

But these are the ones on the side of the road, beaten to near death while everyone walks by. We need to be like the Good Samaritan and render aid. Not just address the symptoms, but the root cause. If we look at them with God’s eyes, we see their fear, raw pain, and hopelessness inside.

God sees that in everyone. But His mercy and grace blanket all of us with His love. He brings comfort, restoration, love and hope. We need to shine God’s light for all humanity. Especially to these challenging ones angry at the world. If we allow the unconditional love of God, the saving grace of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit to rule in our hearts, He will touch their souls and give them hope.

“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” Proverbs 10:17

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

** For more depth, read the passage about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.

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