Pay it forward.

 

This is another important tool for the transformation of social life. Remember the movie, Pay it Forward? This film brings the concept out in a powerful way. Starring Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey, and Jesus (well actually James Caviezel, who later played, “Jesus” in The Passion of the Christ and, therefore, I keep seeing him as Jesus), shows what might happen if you reach out for the sake of another.

 

Do something “big” for someone else, and then tell them they have to do something “big” for three other people who do it for three other people, and so on. In other words, you can’t return the good deed; you have to pay it forward. Movie critics didn’t buy it. Here is what Roger Ebert had to say.

 

That’s the theory behind “Pay It Forward,” a movie that might have been more entertaining if it didn’t believe it. It’s a seductive theory, but in the real world, altruism is less powerful than selfishness, greed, nepotism, xenophobia, tribalism and paranoia. If you doubt me, take another look at the front pages.

 

I have two responses for Mr. Ebert.

1. Roger, have you ever tried it?

2. Jesus would certainly beg to differ.

 

It’s not that willing the good of your neighbor and taking action on it, “loving thy neighbor,” can’t be done- it’s we don’t try it enough. We don’t realize where the chain of good begins. Jesus tells us.

 

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. (John 15:10-12)

 

The love Jesus experiences in the Trinity, is given to me, and I pay it forward to someone else, who in turn will be influenced by my action, and will have the opportunity to pay it forward.

 

Apologies to Roger Ebert, but this theory works in the real world.

 

The real world is where God rules, God’s Kingdom. If all the parties involved are being changed by the Holy Spirit and living transformed lives, then pay it forward is as natural as selfishness is in a world that doesn’t recognize the transforming power of God.

 

As we reach out in love to others, and they are under the same power of the Holy Spirit, they will bless us, as well as bless others. Can you imagine what it will be like if we all live in communities where people are transformed disciples of the living God, Jesus? Pay it forward will be no big deal. We can live in such a community.

 

It starts with you.

 

When did you do something loving for someone and saw them pay it forward. How did that make you feel?