[327 words]
Media advice columnists offer counsel to readers with all kinds of relationship problems. One woman described a situation in which she had offered an acquaintance a ride to church. He usually walked, but the weather was miserable and she said she was happy to help. But when he didn’t respond according to her expectations, she found herself sharing the hurtful details with her favorite columnist.
“You were kind to offer this ride to your neighbor,” the columnist replied, “but you should not have expected any particular or specific behavior from him, other than an expression of gratitude. Worshipping is slightly different for everyone. in my little church, we all assume the exact same seats, week after week, year after year. This is not ideal, and your letter is a reminder that when we mix things up, new relationships and connections can be formed. Additionally, your neighbor might have felt too awkward or presumptuous to assume that your offer of a ride was really an offer to share the experience with him. I hope you will forgive his awkward reaction and move forward.”
What a good reminder to give the other person the benefit of the doubt instead of taking up an offense! And it is possible the driver was hoping for a bit of praise from her rider and others who noticed her good deed? Jesus gave us a godly perspective in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” if we are recipients of kindness, surely we should express thanks, but if we are givers of kindness, we can be content with no thanks if we give our expectations to God. He sees our hearts and our deeds, and will reward us accordingly. Others may also see our good works, done in a spirit of humility, and praise our heavenly Father for meeting the needs of others through us.
K.E. Horsley
Mansfield Church of Christ
Mansfield, Arkansas