How do you respond when someone harms you with words or actions?
"When you return a blessing for an insult, you will inherit a blessing!" -Linda Dillow
This quote really stood out to me, as I have worked relentlessly in my lifetime to do just this, return a blessing.
Throughout the years, there have been countless times that I have encountered extreme attacks from other individuals. The first few times were daunting, and stayed with me for some time. As age has increased, I am now able to look back at such moments and realize that these individuals had demons that they were fighting. I have also learned that there is no reasoning with someone who is belligerent. The best thing to do is walk away, and quickly. "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!" - Psalm 52:7
At the age of 30, I had a six month old and a two year old. Our neighbor was a young unmarried woman with a black lab. She also had, what I would come to learn, a very angry boyfriend. This was the reason that her dog would bark outside our bedroom window for hours during those long nights. She was not home, but at her boyfriend's house. I tried calling her to let her know that her dog was barking at night, while she was away, but only received her answering machine. I left her one message. This did not solve the issue. Before resorting to calling animal control, I saw that she was home one afternoon. I walked next door holding my 6 month old daughter. My neighbor opened the door, and I believe, I might have started to talk with her about her dog. In all honesty, the image of an angry man is etched in my mind, charging from the back of the house toward the front door. He is yelling at me and no matter how calmly I spoke, his anger would not subside. I do believe there were threats against me as well, which finally made me retreat. I've thought back on that moment quite a bit during the time that followed, and wondered why I didn't just leave immediately. After all, I was holding my innocent daughter. How could this man not see her. In reality, this man could not see me. He was filled with a raging demon. I believe that I prayed for my neighbor in days that followed, but I'm not sure if I prayed for this man.
When individuals have anger that rises quickly to the surface, there is no reasoning with them. Prayer is really all that can be done for them at the time. We have no idea what others have endured throughout their lives. However, we do know that every single one of us, has had to endure challenges. The difference is that not everyone faces their problems or heals, and welcomes love into their hearts again. This results in a hardened heart, which is hard to penetrate. This leaves them unable to see the power of Jesus in their lives. God does not want us to remain separated from Him with hardened hearts.
There is a time and a place to interact with someone directly or intercede for God on their behalf. It is important to know when to walk away or stay removed from a situation. We are called to be an example to other believers and non-believers. However, we must remember that God is ultimately in control of all of our lives. He hears our prayers. In His time, He answers them. It is up to every individual to do the work to reunite ourselves with God, so that we may receive His goodness and love in our lives. We entered this world as a unique individual, and we will depart this world as a seasoned individual impacted by this world's influences. How do you want to present yourself to Our Maker on that day?
Romans 2:5 -
"But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed."
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