Confession, I was annoyed with some people today. Most of it happened when driving. To the person that sat at the green arrow, the other one that did not seem to understand the concept of a blinker, the guy who took way too long to turn and the girl who would not get over when she could and made me brake when merging onto the highway, while then resorting to going well under the speed limit, among other things. I found myself frustrated, annoyed, and with very little room for grace. For some reason, today especially, people had no regard for how to drive properly. As I sit here though I realize, we mustn’t let other people’s foolishness, make us foolish. To be honest, maybe there are sensible reasons for the behavior and frankly, I am not perfect either. When irritated, maybe we cannot change their actions, but we do need to have a hold of our own reactions. Not to say we don’t have a right to feel what we feel, we do, but how we choose to handle it, is where it counts. Though I did not get crazy road rage or anything, I still was clearly annoyed and didn’t think kindly. Friend, people may frustrate us, or plainly, make us mad. We cannot control everyone’s actions around us. However, we are often given the opportunity on being the bigger person and reacting Christ-like. I was annoyed today on the road, but I know, God saw everything, including my own reaction. Friend, when grace is hard to give, may we just choose to be the bigger person, do the right thing, and let God handle it.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Be the bigger person

Proverbs 17:14 NIV

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 15:1 NIV

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:20 NIV

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 19:11 NIV

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Romans 12:17-18 NIV

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

James 1:19-20 NIV

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Matthew 5:9 NIV

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.