I used to think including people into every part of our family life was a must do. The older I get though, the more this truth becomes clear- I don’t owe anyone the gift, that is, my life. I don’t owe friendship. I don’t owe relationship to others with my children, those things are gifts. Gifts that I freely want to give, but only to people who value them.
I once put myself in a situation out of what I thought was compassion. I opened my heart and the consequences that followed took me two years to process. I am by no means saying don’t love. I am saying love received with trust is a beautiful combination. I watch this with my kids all the time.
When someone hurts their feelings in school and they aren’t sure how to process the situation. At first, I said forgive them and be kind, we all make mistakes. That is absolutely true, but I had to go back and add your job isn’t to make sure your friends treat you with respect. Your job is to create an environment in which respect is simply a by product of being around you. You carry it. You carry love in such a deep way people see your friendship, your life, your personality as a gift they treasure and consider it an honor to receive from.
I don’t trust my youngest daughter with the same things I trust my oldest. My youngest isn’t aware enough to understand the value in what I am giving her. My oldest is. Be careful what you are giving to other people assuming they are mature enough to know its value. Your life is a gift. Your family is a gift.
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Matthew 7:6
I certainly understand the emotion behind this post. I have felt similar feelings. However, it is important to understand the meaning of Matthew 7:6 and to understand the meaning we have to understand its context.
When Jesus says do not give dogs that which is unholy and not casting our pearls before the swine is used as representative of those who ridicule and reject the gospel once it is presented to them. We are not to expose the gospel to those who for no other purpose desires to trample on it and return to their evil ways. Repeatedly, sharing the gospel with someone who ridicules Christ is like casting your pearls before the swine. We are to share the gospel with everyone but when it is apparent that the gospel is not welcomed, we are to move on. Pigs don’t appreciate pearls and dogs don’t appreciated that which is scared. As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly (Proverbs 26:11).
Matthew 7:6 is the command Jesus gave His disciples when He said, if anyone will not listen or welcome your words, shake the dust from your feet and leave that town (Matthew 10:14).
In essences, Matthew 7:6 tells us we are not shove the gospel down people’s throats, there is no value in preaching pearls to swine.
This is great Serena! Our personal experience, spiritual revelations, family, and all the precious things God has given us should only be shared with those who value them. To do this, we need to be spirit-led and not always emotionally-led.