Responding to the Rude and Insensitive!
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. ”
It is so easy to become bitter in the world we live in today. Using cell phones while driving turns otherwise good drivers into a horrible danger to those around them. People are working more hours, making them tired and cranky. It has caused many of us to misjudge other people’s intentions. Writer Gustavo Razzetti, in his article, “The World Is Not Out to Get You,” reminds us, “Never attribute to malice which can be adequately explained by stupidity.” The next time someone cuts you off in traffic remember, they are not out to stick it to you, they are just driving in a “stupid” manner.
The poet Goethe wrote, “Misunderstandings and neglect create more confusion in this world than trickery and malice. At any rate, the last two are certainly much less frequent.” Goethe is correct. Most people have increased their rude behavior not because they’ve become malevolent, but because our society has become more distracted and less aware of their surroundings. Now, the responsibility for a faithful response lies with us. Even when someone does something rude, we are required to temper our response until we are able to evaluate their motivation. Even then, we are called to forgive small slights.
Today, reflect on the most recent slights you’ve had to endure. How did they interrupt your life? Was it a slight, or simply distracted behavior? Was the person rude when they realized the situation upset you? You and I can have a legitimate complaint, and even a reason to make a fuss, and still be wrong. Their rudeness becomes a double whammy, hurting us twice, when we overreact and sin in return. Today, ask God to give you the patience and humility to not react to rude behavior until you are able to determine one’s motivation. Then, seek to respond in a way that honors God. Finally, remember to do as I say, and not as I do!
