I recently observed a confrontation between two adults over a parking space at a medical complex. Both drivers had been waiting for the occupant to vacate the space. The one who deserved the space took possession, but the other person became angry and threatened violence with insulting words and gestures.
The issue ceased to be needing a parking place but transformed into defending one’s personal rights and being threatened by another person’s outrage. As the issue became distorted in this emotional environment, the ability to think rationally evaporated, which opened the door for displaced aggression.
I wonder what the outcome would have been if the one who was in the right had generously given the space to the other person. Remember these words of generosity? “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son and whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.” God’s blessings and personal satisfaction come from being generous.
This is how we know what
love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for
others! If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against
them, how can we claim that we love God? My children, our love should not be
just in words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.
~1 John 3:16-18 Good News Bible
___________
Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on
your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days
every week.
No comments:
Post a Comment