Squabbles
In my mind today I’m thinking about squabbles. We all have them. They happen at work, at church, and between family members and friends. They cause lethal divisions. How do you handle these in a way to save relationships and productivity?
This morning the first scripture I read stated “Does your teacher pay temple tax?” The people in power were trying to squabble with Jesus. Jesus didn’t take the bait. He sent one of the disciples to catch a fish and look in the fish’s mouth. There would be a coin worth enough to pay the temple tax. He didn’t have time to squabble about just passing through and on my way to be crucified. So do we have time for squabbles?
At work, it may be about who used all the ink in the copier and didn’t replace the cartridge. With family, it may be about jealousy over who is getting more attention from a parent. Friends can be upset because of someone’s sarcastic humor. Church family can become divisive over who is in charge of the church festivities and how they are not following the protocol to the letter. All of these mentioned can waste precious time and energy.
Students, how should we deal with the squabbles in our lives to prevent them from growing into feuds? Find a positive way to act. Don’t react with hostility and authority. Reacting causes the squabble to grow. Evaluate the situation. Could you do something to diffuse the situation? Put an extra toner cartridge in the copy room? Pray about the jealousy and bitterness in your heart. There is enough love for everyone in your family. If you give love, it grows. Admit things could be done by others in a great way, too. Competing and comparing is toxic at church, work, or home. We all want the best, so let’s work together.
What’s the goal? I hope the goal is to love God with all of your heart and your neighbor as you love yourself. Those are the ultimate rules after all. So we have to sometimes be the bigger person and act out of love to prevent a chasm from forming between us. This is a tough and crucial assignment today students. Today, think about your squabbles and be the person with the bigger heart.
Sarah Anderson Alley
Quotes of the Day:
“Arguing isn’t communication; it’s noise.”
Tony Gaskins
“To settle an argument, think of what is right, not who is right.”
Unknown
“Arguments drag out because one is too stubborn to forgive and the other is too proud to apologize.”
Unknown
“To truly forgive is to erase the transgression from your minds and lips.”
Sarah Anderson Alley
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