When Wronged

Someone treats you poorly... what will you do?

Do you return poor treatment with more of the same or do you find a way to lower the temperature of your own thermostat and maybe theirs too?

Proverbs has a great suggestion, speak kindly to them and see if their heart doesn't drop the fury and find something different. Children as young as 5 months experience cognitive dissonance (they get confused) when they see things that don't match their expectations. They won't play with a toy that abuses another toy in a puppet show, while preferring the toys that help other toys. Very young children are always sifting and sorting through relationships and we continue to do it as we age.

If you answer poor treatment with harsh words, you are sure to get an escalation, fire on fire, pain for pain, and the world ends up bleeding and broken. Jesus says we are to be radically generous with our personal ability to absorb pain, give away possessions, and bless other people, even those people. However, I do believe boundaries are necessary and healthy. Jesus didn't say to go back to your abuser daily and receive more abuse from them, he only taught that it is in the moment of the event that we might show them love by going beyond their expectations.

You can pray for your enemies while setting boundaries to love them without regular abuse. Jesus did teach his followers to step out in faith, risk everything, but if not received to walk away and shake the dust from your Chacos or Tevas or whatever the sandal or shoe is you are wearing. And for those barefooted ... just wipe the dust off of your feet, I guess. Whatever your foot-covering-preference, you do not need to fight. Love God, love others, love yourself, and walk away.

This message brought to you by:
Proverbs 15.1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.amazon.com/Righteous-Mind-Divided-Politics-Religion-ebook/dp/B0052FF7YM
Matthew 5.38-48 and 10.14
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