In my early training to become a social worker, I had to learn to listen to people. What are they really saying? What is behind their words? How does what they say relate to their behavior? The issue could be the abuse of children or unfaithfulness in marriage or other problems. It led me to the conclusion that there is not much good in human beings. I was not sure that I wanted to help people who so often came into trouble because of selfishness, uncontrolled behavior, or even because of their stupidity.
At that point I looked at myself and I was shocked to see that I had the same intentions. Although it did not lead to the same damage, I knew it was there. The first discovery was easier to cope with than the second. I wanted to become a good helper with success in changing people from doing bad to doing good.
That was when I began searching. I wanted to quit my profession. I was no longer sure that life was even worth living. I remember saying to God, "If this is all there is, I don't want it. If you have something else in mind, please show it."
God knows what is in the lives of others and he knows what is in us long before we realize it. He never ever gives up. In the deepest parts he is there to show you life as he meant it to be. God can deal with all our feelings of guilt, failure, depression, and unworthiness. It was extremely difficult to live with myself until I realized that God can and wants life for us. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us.
God encouraged me to live with "myself" and it included others around me. I went back to my work with people in need of help. I still listen and get to know their intentions. But now I know that what God did in me, he can do in the lives of every human being. It doesn't matter what their situation or condition may be. God accepts them, and if change is needed, he can work that out.
May we be living examples of what God can do, even in this day in the meetings we will have with people. Like us, they are people in need of love, in need of help, and above all in need of salvation.