People are not Projects

You want to really annoy someone or tick them off, let them know they're a project you're trying to fix.  Far too many people, are focused on trying to "fix" people rather than loving them right where they are...  I've made many mistakes in my past trying to "fix" people- I'm sure I came off judgemental, holier than thou, looking like I had an agenda, controlling, or simply an idiot. 

How do you feel when you feel "targeted"?  People are not projects.

But our motives are good, right?  We want them to change for the better, we want them to get out of an unhealthy relationship, we want them to know Jesus, go to church, get help for their marriage, stop abusive drinking, and on and on...  Often we have great motives but wrong methods.

• Love is a choice, it's intentional.  Think intentional relationships, not projects.
• Remember the old adage: "I won't care about what you say to me until I know you care about me..."
• Relationships are marathons, not fast-food drive-thrus
• Unfortunately, many people don't and won't change- you're not responsible "for" them, you're responsible "to" them

Questions I'm asking myself:

• Do I focus more on what I want to say to people or do I focus on genuinely caring for people?
• Am I living a life that is attractional?  Do people see something positive and different in my life?
• Do I really spend time praying for those in my circles? 
• Do I invite people to engage in a greater purpose- maybe as simple as a fundraising dinner or a small work project?
• Am I even reaching out to meet new people?  When was the last time I had a new person or couple over for dinner? 
• Would people say I'm encouraging and a "tank filler" or am I self aborbed or a "tank drainer"?

God, help me to genuinely love people as You have loved us.