Beyond self-protection

Jim Martin, reflecting on the writing of David Hansen, considers pastoral ministry as an exercise of love. It's a challenge to live and minister that way without building protective fences around our hearts:

I understand the temptation to be ambivalent. After all, loving people is to set yourself up to be hurt. Yes, loving people can be joyful, satisfying, rewarding, etc. Yes, there are people who will love you in return and whose love will bring great encouragement to your life. There are also people who can and will hurt you. To love is to put yourself "out there" where your heart will be trampled on by some.

True. It's a tough way to minister and live. It also happens to be the way Jesus went.