Galatians
5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This morning at breakfast I became convinced that, when I
get upset at people for upsetting other people it doesn't do God’s will to
grumble about it.
Now, I’d better start from the beginning. Or maybe I should start with a question. Have you ever gone into a situation with a
positive, upbeat attitude only to confront a person, or people who find fault
with everything they encountered?
"The food was cold! The tea never came! The service was slow! The egg casserole didn’t have any sausage in
it, as promised!"
Do you get the picture? It gets worse. Spread the word. Spread the discontent and tell everyone
within earshot of the entitlement you
didn’t receive. In fact get up and go to
the next table and help them understand your disappointment.
Ok. What did you do
about that? I hope you wouldn’t have done what I did? Yes, I confess, I loudly explained to the person next to me that “some people
just can’t be happy with anything” just loudly enough to make sure the offender heard me.
I believe that the Holy Spirit spoke to me softly after that
statement and said, “Diane, you really aren’t helping the situation and that’s
not demonstrating Jesus’ way.”
Wow! Now what? Afterward, I got to thinking that I don’t
only do God’s will when I speak of Him to others, or when I explain salvation,
or forgiveness, or heaven to those around me.
I believe the Spirit was telling me that I do God’s will when I pass on
his peace and joy to others. And I must do
that by encouraging the hurting people with a smile, a kind word, or an offer
to help, rather than condemnation of those who try to spread that strife and
unhappiness.
Ok, so much for my lesson from the Spirit this morning. How was your day?
Of course I have been there. I have learned that I might not always be helpful, but I really don't make a public scene. Thinking about your story, I would likely feel uncomfortable about hearing such complaints and might seek to finish my meal and leave. Your point, however, strikes a chord - leaving does not help anyone but me. Perhaps a brief, private conversation with the server or hostess might help fix the disappointing elements. The disappointed one wouldn't need to hear of the assistance. Something for me to keep in mind. Thanks Mom.
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