When You’d Rather Argue Than Pray
Well, how-do there, and come right on up here on this ol’ front porch, friend. Why don’t you just set yourself down right over there on that cushioned bench before one of them lil’ ol’ fat gnats aggravates you enough to make your eyebrows plum climb clear into your hairline. We’ve all met somebody that can really git to rattlin’ our patience like an ol’ raccoon loose in a pantry full of pie tins. And every now and then, if we’re brave enough to admit it, we’re sho’-nuff’ that somebody.
In 1 Samuel 25:17, Nabal was plum described as so ill-tempered that nobody could even reason with him. David was sho’-nuff’ furious and ready to downright settle matters the hard way. Then, Abigail stepped into that mess carryin’ mighty good wisdom, humility, generosity, and enough groceries to feed half the county.
She plum became a peacemaker.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Notice He didn’t say blessed are the people that win every argument. Sometimes spiritual maturity looks less like provin’ your point and more like refusin’ to throw another log on the fire.
Before decidin’ somebody else is the problem, we ought to ask, “Lord, am I tired, impatient, prideful, or spiritually dry?” A weary soul can get about as prickly as a spooked lil’ ol’ porcupine backed into a feed sack.
Then, comes the harder question. What hurt might be what’s hidin’ right underneath that other person’s behavior?
Here’s a good fresh word for them kinds of moments. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Gentleness ain’t no kind of weakness. Abigail sho’-nuff’ proved that. Sometimes the strongest person in the room is actually the one plum calm enough to carry peace into somebody else’s storm.
Father, when people test my patience, help me examine my own heart first. Give me wisdom to see beyond irritating behavior and compassion to recognize hidden hurts. Make my words gentle and make me a peacemaker that reflects Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright now, scoot right on off into your daily doin’s, friend, and don’t let one cantankerous ol’ goose turn the whole barnyard plum upside down. When tempers start to snortin’ like an ol’ bull at a red gate, you gotta be choosin’ gentleness. When somebody sho’-nuff’ gets on your nerves, you gotta be gettin’ right on your knees. And remember, God can sho’-nuff’ use one peaceful heart to quiet a whole pasture that’s real full of commotion.
With joy,
Gwen
