So, I have written before about people’s gratitude, or lack thereof, and how one should never expect even a modicum of decency from others, no matter how much you give. Not because you don’t deserve it, but because it will rarely happen, and continuing to give is the right thing to do, for yourself and for the rest of society.
Nonetheless, it is damned hard to do, sometimes.
The title of this post is a well-known phrase, and a reference to Matthew 7:6, part of the Sermon on the Mount, which reads as follows:
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
At first glance this seems to be inconsistent with the rest of the Sermon on the Mount. While I believe that Matthew 7:6 was Jesus’ call to his followers not to allow their beliefs, faith, and relationship with Christ to be set-upon and torn apart by those outside the Christian community, the plain language seems to say – stop being foolish and continuing to give of your best to those who could never appreciate it.
Most people, including me, usually interpret the “pearls before swine” thing, I think, in the second way.
So, when I’m feeling particularly unappreciated, and feel I’m being torn apart by the swine, I try to keep two things in mind:
First, I’m not the only one with pearls to offer. Everyone has the ability to offer something good, beautiful and holy to another, if only a simple act of caring and compassion. You and I are not the only ones out there trying to do good, as we can.
Second, we are all, sometimes, swine. None of us fully and constantly appreciate all of the things we have been given, all of the beautiful things in our lives. It would be hypocritical to condemn others for their lack of gratitude, if I’m not fully grateful myself.
I can’t control the behavior of others, but I can certainly do my best to control my own.