It’s occurred to me that over the past few weeks, there have been strange situations pop up in work, ministry, you know, everything. Life in general has been just a little cattywampus. Whether it’s come from strange random criticism, or situations not going EXACTLY how I feel they should, there’s just been a little bit of unrest in the Isley household of late.
My natural response to many things is to grumble and complain, or reach out in an unkind manner to those whom in my opinion have just gotten things all completely wrong. I’m pretty sure that is a natural reaction to critical situations among many of us. We’re human and we’ll feel the need to blast away, when the stars aren’t aligning for us. The problem with this is, we often make much bigger messes out of things by spouting off when we’re angry rather than taking time to process what’s going on and going about things in a controlled healthy manner. Proverbs 29:11 speaks pretty well on this.
That being said our need as human beings to “give full vent to our spirit” is sometimes consuming. And that brings me to my main point. Someone once told me that in order to get over a tough time in their life, due to the actions of another believer, they had to write a letter to the person who wronged them. I thought, well that’s a great way to communicate, a little archaic and outdated in today’s culture, but whatever works for you. But then they told me they never sent it. To which my first thoughts were, well that seems to have been an exercise in futility. But it turns out there is some merit to that. Since then I’ve found myself in several situations, in which I knew my first response would be, cutting, destructive and only inflame the situation further. I knew I was not pleased, and was about to take wings and fly head first on a kamikaze mission of righteous glory, to prove a point. And I did exactly that. I opened my email and typed furiously away, emptied both barrels, called in an air strike and tossed a grenade in for good measure.
And then I deleted it.
This seemingly futile exercise allowed me to step back and look at what the real issue was. Putting words to your feelings on a screen, or a page to evaluate the consequences of them is an ultimate gut check. Do you want to fight it out, or would you rather seek resolution in a loving, Biblical, and constructive way. Sure it feels good to let loose and hand out blame, or point fingers. But in the end you’ve only added to the hurt in the situation, and that never feels good. Take time to respond in a way that is truly in love, and seeking the best resolution. Apology letters are never fun to write!
Blessings,
Jeremiah
ah, a very true post! I have written my fair share of these! I find the best are the hand written ones because then instead of mailing it you can rip it to shreds! Another "get it off your chest" exercise. By putting your thoughts into words, that you can go back and read, really helps you decifer what REALLY needs to be said and what is all emotion. Once the words are "out there" it is almost impossible to take them back!
ReplyDeleteGood word today Jeremiah!
Suffering fools gladly is always the better course, how blessed you are to be at a level of understanding that has afforded you the wisdom said poor dolt has not yet acquired. Oops I just called a name, The Holy Spirit provides correction in many creative formats. In my mind once in while passionately flipping the tables of money changers over in the Father's house is the only righteous course of action - what would Jesus have said in a parable that even a dolt can comprehend... You are His hands and feet. Love conquers all. This is your grenade.
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