In Luke 13, Jesus revealed to us in a parable the side of God we don’t often see; every branch in me that bears not fruit, he cuts it down and casts it into fire. (John 15) Some people love the idea of ‘cutting down and off’ so much it tickles their ego. There’s nothing fun about cutting anyone off. Even God didn’t do it with any eagerness whenever He has to. Practically, I believe that there are times and people that must be cut off from our regular lives if we must make tangible progress in certain areas of our lives. Personally, I am too gracious to cut anyone off no matter what. But I’m learning. However, I want to draw everyone’s attention to reasons for which people get cut off other people’s lives that are not the best reason to do it.
1. Do not cut anyone off simply because you don’t like them. Likeness change. Tastes do change if you give it time. It reminds me of my first Chinese food, I never knew I could smell it talk much eat it. Now I love it!
2. Do not cut anyone off just because you disagree with them on certain matters. Separate issues from the person. There are so many great people for you who don’t share your opinions on every matter.
3. Do not cut anyone off because they offended you at some points. Again, offence may be a test for you. It may also be a one time thing that could strengthen your relationship if you persist. God created forgiveness because of offences.
4. Do not cut anyone off because they don’t measure up to your standards or because they’re not in your level. We are all work in progress including you. Levels do change and you’ll never know where they’ll be next in relation to you. They need you today, you may need them tomorrow.
5. Do not cut people off because of what you heard about them. Get to know people more personally. What you heard about them before you meet them may help you to better know how to relate to them but don’t prevent the opportunity to meet them. Treasures are usually not on the surface.
6. Do not cut people off based on any natural or material situations. E.g natural disabilities, mental or financial conditions etc. Of course, no condition is permanent. You may just be the one to supply what’s missing in their ability to help them get past it.
7. Do not cut people off because of their looks or appearance. Again, treasures aren’t on the surface. People are more than they appear to be. You’ll simply be surprised what they contain. 8. Do not cut people off because of your past experiences and pains. You are not your experience. The next person you’ll meet may be the balm of healing for that pain. Every next person is usually not like the last person. Just like the Ambulance will need to carry you from a wreck point to the hospital. Don’t refuse just because you just got hurt in another auto crash!
9. Do not cut people off simply to prove a point. People are more than things to be used. There’s no point in using anyone to prove any point. It’s pointless at that point. You’re strong, weak, vulnerable, firm etc. Those points can be made without cutting people off your life to prove it.
10. There should be a way to keep people far from where they could easily hurt you, away from your personal lives without necessarily cutting them off.
Hurting people hurt people they say. Keep them in ‘ICU’ until they’re stable enough to come into other areas of your life. Hold them off, don’t cut them off until you are able to move on from there with a clear mind.
Okay. I’ll just say finally that the tree Jesus referred to was due for a cut off because even Divine endurance was limited at a point. But grace spoke again and said, let it alone for one more year, if it bears fruit, fine, if not, then you may cut it down. That’s what I want to leave with everyone, there’s a point where people truly and really need to be cut off, but don’t do it until you have given it time and at least a second chance. One final thought, people aren’t in your life as main characters of your life movie. But they’re needed to keep the plot of your life’s stories going and more interesting, they add color to your life as adversaries more than they’ll be as advocates. God planted them on purpose to add some breaks to your accelerations! Wise men, wait a minute before they throw out containers, they make sure they’re not throwing out treasures with them
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