Some People Can’t Be Helped by Bob and Debbie Gass

You cannot help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves. At some point you will realize that you have done so much for them, and the only thing left is to stop. No matter how much you love someone, everyone has a limit when they begin to feel unappreciated.

I’m sharing a daily devotional today that helped me to accept the fact that not everyone wants to be helped and that’s really okay.

“Some People Can’t Be Helped”

‘They refused to pay attention…and would not listen.’ Zechariah 7:11-12 NIV

Accept it – some people simply aren’t ready to change! They’ll demand your time and energy, but when you get right down to it, they won’t pay the price for progress.

Who are they?

1) People who want to talk but not listen. James speaks about two kinds of people – hearers and doers. ‘Be…doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves’ (James 1:22 KJV). Instead of striving endlessly to meet other people’s needs, try to connect them to the One who can. They should be dependent on the Lord, not you.

2) People who don’t think you’re qualified to help them. Jesus wasn’t respected in His home town, yet He was the very person they needed (see John 1:11-12). Opportunity doesn’t always knock; sometimes it stands by, waiting to be recognised! When people are unwilling to accept your help and advice, chances are they may not be ready to grow and deal with their problems.

3) People who want what you have, but not what you know. These folks want to be rescued but not instructed; comforted but not corrected. And when you keep bailing them out instead of teaching them how to live, you’re not really helping them.

David said, ‘It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes’ (Psalm 119:71 KJV).

Often people have to experience the pain of what’s wrong before they appreciate the wisdom of what’s right. So when it comes to helping people – be discerning.

This devotional is The UCB Word For Today. It is written by Bob and Debby Gass.

*** Quotes were not included. J.D.