Why God’s word is always the right move for your situation.
The other day my eldest taught me an important lesson in humility and forgiveness. After picking him up from school, we discussed the day’s events. One of the topics we discussed was about a boy trash-talking and taunting him with names on the basketball court.
He explained how the boy kept referring to him with an unflattering and insulting nickname. For no reason, that boy started up with him. When I asked him why that was, he said he didn’t remember doing anything to offend him. I then asked if it was the usual trash-talking.
“No, dad. He seemed angry and genuinely mad.” “Well, how did you respond?” I asked. “I didn’t retaliate. I just ignored him,” he replied. My first reaction was to ask him why and that he shouldn’t let anyone talk to him that way. I then suggested he return the favor.
“Dad. I don’t think that’s the right response. I don’t think I should get even. I don’t think that’s what we should do as Christians.” At that moment, I realized he was right. I let my desire for “justice” override what Scripture says we should do.
“You’re right, son. So what’s going to be your move?” I asked. “I’m not sure yet. Let me think about it.” “Well, whatever you decide, remember that it’s also essential to value yourself as a person.” I then suggested he pray for wisdom on handling the situation the next time.
The next day when I picked him up from school, I asked him about his day. This time he smirked and said it was good and that the boy who was trash-talking and taunting him was now a friend. “How did that happen?” I asked”
“I remembered what the Bible says about these kinds of situations, and before he could start trash-talking, I complimented him on his playing skills. It seems this caught him off guard, and when it was my turn to go in, he began to compliment me!”
That day my son taught me an important lesson in humility and forgiveness. I, unfortunately, was led more by the flesh than the Spirit while he tested what the Word said. But, because of what he did, He and I discovered why applying God’s word is always the right move for our situations.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
Pray:
Pray to spend more time in God’s word and how to apply it.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.
