I shared my opinion.
She disagreed.
There was tension.
It was obvious that we didn’t see eye-to-eye and in that moment I had two choices to make.
1. Fight for my opinion. Defend my position. Strive to feel justified. And possibly hurt her feelings in the process.
Or…
2. Shut up.
I chose #2.
I zipped my lips.
Backed off.
Softened my stiff composure.
Silently prayed for wisdom.
And chose to love her anyway.
Why?
Because I’m not the Holy Spirit.
I was not sent to earth to be the voice of her conviction.
Truth is, it’s not our job to convince people.
We are here to be His example of gentleness, graciousness and reconciliation, and it’s our job to love… even when they disagree with us… even when they frustrate us… even when they misunderstand what we’re trying to say and how we’re trying to live.
We can either lead people to right relationship with Him, or tense friendship with us.
It’s empowering to be the first to shut up. Try it.
”Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.” Proverbs 21:23 (MSG)
