Patience part 3
There's an interesting story in 2 Samuel chapter 16. And its a little bit lengthy, but I think its worth getting into. A man is throwing curses at King David. Then this happens, "Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day" (2 Samuel 16:9-12). I think most of us are like Abishai. We are ready to leap into action. Especially when we feel that "righteous anger" start to bubble in us. I mean, defending David--the man after God's own heart. What's could be more honorable than that? But sometimes when we leap into action we are also jumping to conclusions. Sometimes we neglect to take the time to figure out WHY something is happening. We just look at the surface appearance and go from there. David was patient though. He didn't think of himself as more important than the guy who was cursing him. David figured the guy had his reasons. And not only that, he figured maybe God had TOLD the guy to do it. And either way, he didn't feel like it was his place to put a stop to it. Almost like he was saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." He figured it was all a part of God's plan, and God would take care of what needed taking care of. I think that's one of the most important things that patience teaches us; many times things work themselves out. If you give them enough time. Something harmless CAN escalate, if you let it (or help it). But something harmless can also just kind of drift away if you let it. I guess my point is: You don't have to "right every wrong." You really need to be able to pick your battles. You need to be patient with people. And if you don't necessarily know why THEY are doing what they're doing, at least know why YOU'RE doing what you're doing. Make sure the juice is worth the squeeze. Make sure you're taking a stand on something worthwhile. Because there are times and places you SHOULD make a stand. Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything. But sometimes the situation calls for a little LESS action. Sometimes a little bit of patience goes a LONG way. Especially when your goal is to de-escalate the situation. I've said this before and I'll say it again: It's better to have the RIGHT word than the LAST word. (The right word, of course, is THE Word. Love.) Being kind is more important than winning an argument. So let people vent sometimes. Let people say what they're gonna say. Because they will no matter what. Don't get worked up. Let it go. Let love flow. Be kind and patient!