It got messy. It always does.
Anytime a situation involves human beings, you can expect that something is going to get a little difficult because relationships are complicated.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery.
Peter denied Jesus.
Moses murdered.
David cheated.
Judas betrayed.
James and John jockeyed for position.
On and on it goes because humans are flawed and selfish.
Which is why I wasn’t at all surprised to find myself in the middle of an emotional outburst, along with a few heated words, hurt feelings, and complicated layers. People are people.
We all hurt.
We all cry.
We all feel the weight of our fallen state and imperfect nature.
But when it all goes wrong, and this situation definitely went horribly wrong, rather than fighting to have my way heard, or my feelings felt, or my perspective acknowledged, I was offered an opportunity to respond the way Jesus always did.
With grace.
Mercy.
Forgiveness.
Kindness.
Love.
He understood the frailty of people and extended compassion.
He patiently waited to respond with wisdom and discernment.
He founded his life on truth rather than emotion and impulse.
And wouldn’t you know it? Everything worked out when I brought Him into the situation.
So when it all goes wrong, and it will, sooner rather than later, think of Him. Ask Him. Involve Him. Be like Him.
Bring Him into the situation.
”When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” –Proverbs 16:7
