Be
completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
~
Ephesians 4:2
This past week as I was scrolling through Facebook,
I noticed a video title that intrigued me. It was an interview with a homeless
man, Ronald Davis, from Chicago. I clicked on the link and listened to the
utter hopelessness of this man who wanted to work, but no one would hire him
because of his attire and lack of home address. He was discouraged, but not
bitter. He just wanted the simple things in life like food, a job and a home to
return to each evening along with the other commuters who passed him by on
their way home from work.
He shared how humiliating it was for him to extend
his cup to passerby while asking for any change they could spare, hoping for
enough to pay for a sixteen dollar room each night. One man in particular looked at him in
disgust as he approached and called him a bum. Ronald was hurt by the comment but,
understanding the man’s misconception of his situation, turned and said, “God
bless you.”
Immediately, the man was convicted. He came back to
Ronald and apologized, saying how sorry he was and that he’d just had a bad
day. Then he gave Ronald thirty dollars, enough for almost two nights lodging.
As I contemplated this homeless man’s response to an
insensitive comment, I doubted I’d have given the same reply. I probably would’ve
been hurt, wanting to lash back at the man. But God used his kind blessing to
prick this man’s heart and, in return, Ronald was blessed.
I must say, I’ve had to deal with a few
insensitive comments this week and haven’t responded with God bless you. Instead, I’ve reacted in anger and, as a result,
feel as if I’m about to explode. I keep praying for God to give me peace toward
these people, but it has eluded me.
When I received the second rudely stated and unreasonable
request this week, I blew up in front of my daughter, my frustration almost bringing
me to tears. She hugged me and said it would all work out, but had to rush back
to school for an exam, so we didn’t get to talk.
Later that afternoon, however, she sent me a text
stating what an awesome mom I am and she had no doubt I could do a good job and
show this woman Jesus’ love by doing so. Then she thanked me for showing her
Jesus’ love by the way I love her.
Wow! Out of the mouth of babes. She knew I needed to
respond with love and God bless you, while all I wanted to do was pine away in
a corner licking my wounds.
Humbled by her sweet praise, I’m going to give it
another try. I’m praying for God to fill me with love and compassion toward this
woman and to do my work as working for the Lord. I want to please God with all
of my heart, soul, mind and strength, and this is certainly one way to do it.
Isn’t it amazing how the least of these, a homeless
man and a teenage girl, reflect the love of God in such a way as to draw us
back to Him?
Have you been dealing
with difficult people lately? What was your response? If not one of love, how
could you have changed it?
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