"A diva bridles her tongue for she knows a soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Divas may your words be seasoned with salt." Writing With Christ In Mind
We are never justified by telling people off for the sake of being sarcastic, or "letting them have it." Check your motives hun, if you are interested in "sticking it to them" or ripping some one "a new butt hole," try this on for size whatever size your stilettos are....
1. TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WISH TO BE TREATED
2. FORGIVE THEM WHO TRESPASS AGAINST YOU
3. HAVE LOVE YE ONE FOR ANOTHER
4. IF YOU HAVE AN OUGHT AGAINST YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER PRACTICE THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
For example:
When I was assigned to a 1st grade classroom full-time as a substitute teacher, at the end of the year, the tenured teachers planned a field trip to an Indian Reservation. It was hot, we were all exhausted and the kids drove us nuts!
I can't remember how the argument began but one of the coordinators of the field trip came into my classroom and began yelling and screaming at me. Not only did she do this in front of my kids but in front of the parents. Before I could hold my breathe, I retaliated because I thought I had something to prove. You know I wasn't going to let her talk to me in a demeaning fashion in front of my kids let alone their parents but after I barked back, I felt an overwhelming guilt.
We never resolved the incident until the following year. I was more interested in how Jesus would have handled the situation. That would have been a perfect opportunity for me to represent for Christ but I failed. However, I was given a second chance and praise God, I ran into the same teacher in the hallway.
We spoke to one another briefly but had not discussed the matter at all. We went our separate ways but once I returned to my classroom, I prayed and acknowledged to the Lord that if given the right words, our relationship could be reconciled.
So I felt compelled to write her a letter to work out our differences. I began by stating that regardless of how she may have treated me or mistreated me, I am called to treat others as I wish to be treated. I admitted that I should have demonstrated self-control that day instead of being lead to act by my feelings and emotions. I apologized if I offended her. Even if she offended me, I could have taken one for Christ. Why? Greater is he that's in me! That's why!
I also told her that as a follower of Christ, you ought to be known by our love....I did not display love on that day and I was extremely sorry for my behavior.
I then placed the note in an envelop, sealed it and placed it in her mailbox.
The following day, I ran into that same teacher and she had rosy cheeks and puffy eyes. She said she received her card in her school's mailbox and after having read my letter, she was able to see her faults and apologized for her behavior as well. She told me that I didn't have to do that but I told her that I had a responsibility and my witness matters. My witness reflects the God I serve and I don't want to reflect my Lord and Savior in a bad light!
She hugged me and thanked me so much! Talk about sharing the love!
Could you imagine all the open opportunities we miss if we would humble ourselves and reconcile the relationships we are responsible for exacerbating instead of diffusing in the first place?
You know, that was the last year she taught at our school before relocating to the south. I can't imagine how I would feel if I had listened to all the other teachers who said she deserved to be told off since she was known for being a loud mouth anyway. Regardless of how the majority may feel about someone, even if you have to stand alone....ALWAYS DO WHAT IS RIGHT!
Mama used to say if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all!
Vengeance is mines says the Lord!
Writing With Christ In Mind,
Dana
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