Internal/External

Recently, I had an exchange with what appeared to be an angry young man. I learned more about myself rather than that person.

I get to choose my response. I can be kinder. I do not have to stare or throw my hands up or anything that can be interpreted as hostile or threatening. I can turn the other cheek. Jesus said we should forgive 70 times 7. I can spread the light of Jesus instead of spreading the darkness of me.

I can give grace. I do not know what people are going through. I don’t know what that young man had going on that day or what he lives through or what his life was like growing up. I don’t know what people are going through in traffic, what they’re racing toward or for.

I can take responsibility for my actions. In the end, that is what I can control. Rather than point my finger at somebody else and hoping they’ll conform to my standards, I can turn that finger toward myself and look at my own behavior. Often, there is something I can do. I can respond in such a way that lets the light of Jesus shine through.

In other words, even though the guy was hostile with his words, I could have chosen differently. I could have started before the words were exchanged. I didn’t blame the guy (external). I looked inside (internal). Now, if American politics did this, maybe something would change.

I won’t hold my breath.

If you feel the urge to blame someone else, try looking inside first.

#Jesus #light #accountability #blame #behavior #politics #America #fingerpointing