TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

 Pastor Robert L. Smith shared an interesting experience.  He was working with public school children, some of whom were experiencing behavioral challenges.  A while back, one of his students was completely out of control, absolutely refusing to comport himself with orderly classroom conduct.  Instead of raising his voice, or berating the student in some way, Pastor Smith wisely employed an alternative technique.  He simply smiled and said, “I think what you really need is a hug!”  Immediately, the young boy broke out into a broad grin.  He hugged his mentor affectionately and thereafter made radical adjustments in his behavior.

 Sometimes we do not achieve positive relational results because of erroneous assumptions.

 A conflict counselor was enlisted by a parish priest to resolve a long-standing problem.  The relationship between the priest and the parochial school principal had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer communicate.  The conflict counselor prepared them for a face-to-face meeting with the following instruction: “Before we get together, I want both of you to write down what you think the problems are in your relationship.”

 The principal and the priest arrived at their first meeting and sat opposite one another.  The counselor asked them to read their lists.

 The priest described the problem from his point of view. “I feel that the principal resents my presence in the school.  I would like to play a larger role but feel I can’t.  I’d especially like to be more involved in religious education, but I feel pushed out.”

 The principal then read his assessment of the situation. “I feel the priest doesn’t want to get involved in the school.  For the life of me, I can’t understand why he feels that way because we desperately need him, especially in religious education.”

 Wow!  So much of conflict has origins in negative or false impressions and presuppositions about the other party.  Wouldn’t it be much better if we were to see others through the empathetic eyes of grace and mercy, just as GOD sees us?

 It reminds me of a historic setback for Standard Oil, then one of the largest companies in the world, led by the wealthy industrialist, John D Rockefeller.  A company executive made a bad business decision that cost the firm two million dollars, an extraordinary sum in the late 1800s.

 A corporate partner, Edward Bedford, had an appointment to see Mr. Rockefeller.  When he entered Rockefeller’s office, he saw his boss at his desk, bent over a piece of paper, busily scribbling notes.  Mr. Rockefeller finally looked up and said to Bedford, “I suppose you’ve heard about our loss?  I’ve been thinking it over,” Rockefeller said.  “Before I ask the man in to discuss the matter, I’ve been making some notes.”

 Bedford looked across the table and saw the page Rockefeller had been scribbling on.  Across the top of the page was the heading, “Positive Points in Favor of Mr. ____.”  Below that heading was a long list of the employee’s good qualities, including specific notes about three occasions where he made decisions that earned the company many times more than the losses from his recent error.

 Bedford never forgot that strategic and gracious lesson.  He remarked, “Whenever I am tempted to rip into anyone, I force myself first to sit down and thoughtfully compile as long a list of that person’s good points as I possibly can.  Invariably, by the time I finish this personal inventory, I see the matter in its true perspective and keep my temper in check.”

 What about US?  There are hundreds of things that have the potential to annoy us on a daily basis.  However, JESUS CHRIST admonishes us to handle potential setbacks with wisdom, compassion and patience.  In fact, according to Jesus, “In your patience you possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19)

 When tempted to fly off the handle and react too swiftly or strongly, let’s pause for one or two moments.  Let’s take a deep breath and THINK.  Exactly what should we think about? 

 Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS.

 It’s a spiritual and emotional discipline that brings blessing and benefit to all.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!