This past weekend I visited my parents in Georgetown, Texas. We had a great visit which included games, food, solutions for the devices of today, a visit from my sister and her husband, and of course the always colorful visit to Walmart. And if you can't learn a life lesson at Walmart you just aren't paying attention... and so we begin.
Upon leaving, after retrieving all items on the shopping list, dad and I observed an angry man yelling at a vehicle just outside of the crosswalk "safety zone" area. Obviously in a fit of emotional rage, he yelled countless obscenities at the driver who had apparently encroached through the "safety zone" unyielding to those crossing. I saw no blood, no bodies laying on the ground, and no additional people joining in his tirade. Sure, I understood the offense, but the reaction was unwarranted. Then the driver stopped to engage in the verbal tossing of threats to do harm...that never happened. I immediately thought each of them must be incredible keyboard bullies, locked into their false personas and misconceptions of what a real man looks like.
"Don't you realize that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated? But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man." Matthew 15:17-18
Let me clarify by confessing that I have had my share of these experiences. I am no better or worse than these guys. I am still human, and at any time I have the choice to act out in my flesh. It is ugly, self seeking, not edifying, not kind, not loving, and not gentle.
As my dad and I discussed the situation, we sought a better approach of reconciliation. One of forgiveness, grace, and mercy.
For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn't shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13
Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
In hindsight, after this incident most likely ruined their day, we talked about what this would have looked like with healthy hearts. The driver of the car could have gotten out and said he was sorry for whatever reason and asked for forgiveness from the guy yelling at him, or maybe he wouldn't be yelling. The aggressor could have responded with a "yes, of course. You are forgiven. Just be careful." Issue defused, forgiveness given, no bitterness to take root, no bad feelings or thoughts, and the rest of their day to enjoy. Sounds good, doesn't it?
The Bible tells us that God created man in His image (Gen 1:27). If His mercies are new every morning, shouldn't ours be? What is in your heart today that could affect the way you interact with someone? Will you yield to whatever situation is driving your emotional bus and act out of it? What is causing you to "lose your goat"? To what are you giving power in your life that forces you to react instead of respond? Is it bitterness, hate, fear, past hurts, or deeply rooted sin?
There is freedom in confession and talking through the hurts and struggles of life. If you think you are too strong of a person to unpack these things, then you are believing a lie and are subject to the chaos you have been experiencing. Hindsight is 20/20. Evaluate your interaction with others today. If peace is not reigning in your everyday life, talk to someone who walks in peace. They are easy to find. If not, send me a message.
Galatians 5:1
