Naturally, we want others to understand and care for the things important to us. But not everyone is able to do this. And we must wisely discern who we offer the treasures of our heart to.Jesus once taught his followers not to throw their pearls to the pigs.Not everyone is able to appreciate the value of what we have to offer. And, in fact, they might trample it and still attack us only to satisfy their own selfish desires.
It is clear this is a lesson still useful for us today.
Of course, we give people the benefit of the doubt and don’t automatically assume we can’t trust them.
And, to be sure, it takes time to build community and earn the privilege to go to certain areas in our stories.
But, in time, a tree is known by the fruit it produces. And it’s clear not everyone is able to care for the things important to us. And this might be due to any number of reasons in their own story.
But, for our part, we must still care for and protect our own hearts. And sometimes this means we choose not to share some things with some people.
This is not to be mean or to withhold vindictively. Nor is it keeping secrets from those who have the right to know.
It’s simply discerning who is capable to care for the treasures of our heart, and filtering what we share accordingly.
And this can change depending on the situation and the person. Perhaps our wife and best friend can receive most. But sometimes we still need someone with a shared experience or professional training to more fully appreciate some areas.
In the end, we don’t try to force others to value what’s important to us. Without being demeaning, we grieve and learn to accept the “swine” in our life. This frees us to find our trusted others who will seek to understand and fully care for us.
Don’t waste your treasures on those who can’t value what you have to offer. Protect your heart by finding those who will do the same.
Photo by Pascal Debrunner on Unsplash
