3:83 – Let’s Not Blame, Let’s Solve Problems.

#faithbites #faithjourney solve

As usual, facebook is getting me down again. I see so many people blaming this party or that party. Saying this government or that government is to blame for this disease. This person should have, would have, could have, whatever. When people are scared, we often look for someone to blame. Why did it get this bad? Who is responsible? What can we do to stop them from doing it again? Then peppered throughout is fake news, bad assumptions, and anger.

If we look beyond what is being said, we see a simple truth. People are afraid. Anger is easy to deal with than fear. What if instead we looked at working together to solve the problems? What if we found a way to join forces rather than divide? Wouldn’t that be a better use of our time and energy?

Scripture

• Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
• Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
• We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. – 3 John 1:8

Reflection

I am no saint. I get mad when I think someone is doing something stupid or stopping progress. Heck, there are times when I want to wring someone’s neck. At the same time though, I realize that that isn’t going to help. My anger won’t change the situation. It may make be feel better in the short term, but it doesn’t improve anything.

My approach is to show hospitality to people so I can learn their true and what makes them tick. Imagine if we tried that approach. We don’t have to agree but when we understand someone, we can work together to solve problems.

The health, economic, and political fallout of this pandemic is unlike anything we have seen in the modern age. We won’t be over it in a day or week or even months. Let’s forgive trespassess against us and seek to solve the problems. The anger isn’t going to do it, but our humanity, love, and strength through Christ will power us forward.

Challenge

Find one person, policy, statement, or opinion that just ticks you off. Then determine a way to turn that anger into action. Can you befriend the person? Can you look for the truth? Maybe you contact your local officials to provide your opinion on their actions. Maybe you volunteer some of your time, talent, and treasure. Solving problems not only helps move us forward but it gives you a sense of accomplishment that we don’t get from anger.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we come to you tonight in this ongoing “new normal” world. Many of us have so much fear and rather than solving the fear, we turn it to anger. Anger isn’t how you want us to live with each you. You want us to be in harmony and solve problems. We often fail at this. Forgive us for failing and being angry. Help us to move forward. Give us your countenance and strength as we adjust and look at where and how we can serve you best in this world. We also pray for your healing hands and protection on all of our first responders, medical professionals, “essential employees”, and everyone else working to provide us with the services we can’t live without. In your name, Amen.