First Responders

Still in reflection for a portion of day after being hit Friday morning from a young man who missed his red light, I read a post on social media by a man who wrote of how incredible of a woman he had had married. His wife had also recently been in a car accident; rear-ended by an older lady. Of course, her first reaction could have been  like the one her husband wanted to give, anger and upset. Something I similarly could have done Friday morning. But it wouldn't help.

Instead, the man's wife responded with compassion. The older lady was a cancer patient, struggling with the treatment process. Lots of other live events going on in as well, which never helps the stress of serious health issues, the lady was simply overwhelmed. The wife took the time to care, listen and share... ultimately, the kindness of a stranger and the love of God. When the police arrived on the scene the two ladies were in tears and laughter, carrying on as if they had been friends for much longer than the few moments that had passed while they awaited. After the formalities of the accident were complete, the ladies exchanged hugs. Law enforcement officers stood in amazement.

As the husband writes and cops relayed their experience, so many times these situations have the potential to spiral out of control, with emotions and intensity and police, like most circumstances have little idea what they are about to walk into when conflict arises among the citizenry.

But it was a moment for God to be glorified... all because one woman put thought to how her response would help resolve the matter rather than escalate it.

This was what I intended to write about before church this morning, and if you don't think God doesn't have a sense of humor, this morning's message was on having the B.E.S.T marriage. 

Blessing
Edifying
Sharing
Touch.

Principles that can be extended to any human interaction, when you think about it. Bless and encourage. Share life and show affection and care one for another. How much more effective would the church be in putting into greater practice, such a perspective.

Thanks, for joining with me, that this #effectiveSunday would be a day to increase our capacity to put greater thought into our first response. May we consider others before ourselves, as Christ did for us, when He was sent by the Father. Pray anger and frustration and confusion would not gain a foothold, nor the corresponding stronghold in our lives, but that our mind would be like that of Christ and His love in our hearts would flow from our tongues. In our relationships, marriages, families, friends and coworkers, may the church seek in greater degree, to be a blessing and not a curse, to encourage rather than destroy; to share rather than isolate, to care rather than battle.

To be an example of Christ
That many may come to Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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