The Last Word
If possible so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
During your lifetime, I’m sure we have known people who always have to have the last word. It matters not what the topic may be or what the disagreement is about; they simply know more than we do and that is it. These folks are difficult to have as close friends because they can’t easily be taught anything new and whatever you do—stay away from politics and religion. Those are war zones!
Then there are the people who don’t speak right to your face but leave the conversation muttering and shaking their head. How infuriating! We all want to be heard and we do have some valid points to share but they shut us down and abandon us mid-conversation just because our thoughts are not in agreement. Now, we don’t know exactly what they said as they left in a huff but the irritation and frustration inside wants to yank them back to finish.
It takes a great deal of patience and love to deal with these people. We are supposed to show God’s love and mercy toward them; to speak kindly and get along as much as possible. Let me tell you, I have a very long way to go on this one. I want to quietly (or not so quietly) tell them to “Shut up and listen to me!” but I know that would do nothing to help the situation.
So, brave me smiles when I see them coming and then I cross to the other side of the street, or I walk into a store or pretend I am on my cell phone. Since I do not like confrontation, I flip into avoidance mode. Can anyone identify with me? Why allow someone to make our life miserable and uncomfortable? Right?
God has the last word, and I truly don’t think He would be smiling down on any of us for that attitude. We are all different and unique. Showing kindness does not include ignoring difficult people—instead it means caring and loving them regardless of flaws. We all have areas in our lives that are under construction.
No one has all the answers all the time—except One. None of us need to have the last word here on earth. Instead, we must become more willing to let the Sovereign Creator have His way in our hearts.
Father God, help us to hold our tongue when we are angered. Teach us to love the unlovable. Show us Your mercy and grace that we may lovingly share it with others. AMEN.