Givers and Takers

Luke 6:38  Give, and it will be given to you. A large quantity, pressed together, shaken down, and running over will be put into your lap, because you will be evaluated by the same standard with which you evaluate others."

Lesson number two: Another thing that the Lord has been showing me lately is that there are two kind of people, the givers, and the takers. I must admit it's a painful lesson. It's painful to watch others, and myself be reduced to what some can get from us. This lesson has come from some unexpected sources. It's always people we would go through heaven and hell to help that are takers. I whine when I see the way they use manipulation and selfishness as their tool of destruction. It's pretty sad to watch. What's even sadder is the fact that they think they're good people, just needy.

I want to understand them, maybe find some excuse for their behavior. I tried, honesty I did. I thought it came from feeling of never having enough. However, the more I watch their behavior, I see it comes from a different place. A place that's dark and fearful. It wouldn't look so bad if they didn't do it with the intent of manipulating a givers emotions. It's like they're playing a game with every pitiful tale, a game to control; to chain the soul of the giver. They think they have the upper hand if you give to them. They have no idea you see right through their game. Givers are not the losers. We're just givers, and givers give despite takers. When you don't give they take and tell themselves they deserve it. They make the giver the villain, the heartless one for refusing to be victimized and manipulated.

Taker is an ugly spirit that has no real love for anyone, It's selfish and cruel and reduces the giver to a office of nobody when they refuse or just don't have to give. Your worth is in how much you can give. Takers live in a place of selfishness, jealousy, depression, envy and greed. They take the joy out of giving and render the giver despondent. Don't get me wrong there are people with real need, and we should always give with a cheerful heart. I once read character is being able to give to those who can't give back. When I say give- it's not always monetary gifts. It can be the giving of your time and resources. Jesus said it's more blessed to give then receive. Takers miss so much, and have so much to learn about life and love. Takers know how to attach themselves to givers when it's convenient, and detach when it's not.

Lately I have felt the sting of the takers. It's sharp and brutal and wounding to my soul. I refuse to allow the arrows to pierce my heart though. I give with a heart full of love. I love the joy of giving. I reap the spiritual benefits and some. Just saying...I decided not to let the takers take my joy of giving.

Fearless