Prodigal: We need you to come over right now!

Me: Don’t pitch a hissyfit, you have to wait a minute.

Prodigal: Fine, we will be patient.

This comes from the book Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life by Kenneth C. Haugk

Genuine, congruent individuals are not liked by everyone. Sometimes others find it hard to like a person who, by being congruent, shatters their illusions. Perhaps the best example of this is Jesus. When he acted congruently, it aroused anger and hatred sufficient to lead to his crucifixion.

Sometimes you may feel that you are being “crucified.” When you open up in a courageous act of caring by being genuine, not all will be appreciative. Some might resent your freedom. No matter. Your caring results from a deliberate decision to care in a given situation and to care through the pains and burdens that reveal your own brokenness. Being a servant is not easy, but the reward of spreading genuineness to others is worth the price.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org