Engaging with Fearful People in Public
photo by Unsplash
We’ve all heard and/or experienced more disturbing stories of people acting rude and unfair toward others than anyone should hear in one lifetime. It’s easy to get caught up in these incidences and even easier to hold offense in our heart against a stranger who hurt our friend or family member.
But think about this. During a time of war, famine, or worldwide pandemonium over a virus, a person who does not have God’s living peace thriving and active in their heart cannot help but react in fear. Right?
So let’s expect people to hoard. Expect them to hide. And expect them even to steal! It’s what panicked and desperate people do (among other things).
photo by Unsplash
Hoarding, hiding, or stealing?
But not so for Christ’s ambassadors! Instead, this our moment of opportunity, and it’s passing quickly. Therefore let’s not turn our facd from people until the storm passes. Let’s not miss our opportunity.
(Instead of repeating the ugly stuff that’s happening, I’m just going to illustrate a preferred response):
When you see the customer in front of you in the checkout line with a basket overloaded with toilet paper, Ask if you can help pay for it. Or just slap down $20 and say, “May God bless you with peace and compassion.”
Or if you accidentally drop a $10 on the floor and a stranger swoops down and grabs it, turn their stealing into receiving by offering to give them more. Say, “Here, may I give you another $10? It looks like you’re in serious need and I want to help.” Of course we don’t do this with attitude because a snarky attitude will counter our attempts at doing good.
“No attitude” means we need to be prayed up, in the Word daily, and mentally prepared to respond Christlike any situation where a fellow American is acting out their fear. Remember, they are PANICKED inside.
The Prince of Peace lives inside of us and He wants the freedom to flow.
Sheltering? Yes, I realize that’s happening. But the system isn’t flawless, and a God-assignment can happen at the very moment an “accidental” invasion of personal space takes place. Why not be prepared?
On that note, if you feel fearful, I encourage you to stay off the regular news station and spend some time steeping in the presence of God through worship and reading your Bible (or listening to His word on audio. BibleGateway.com offers audio options. (And I might note that The Message version is great for listening because it’s kind of like old-time radio show.)
This is a unique time in history. We likely won’t get another chance like this to defy this level of worldwide fear.
Don’t just sit back, binging on Netflix and waiting it out.
Ask God to give you eyes to see who’s in need and then listen for instructions from the Holy Spirit
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
Psalm 68:19-20
For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
Our God is a God who saves!
The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.
Sowing Seeds of Bravery to Defy Fear
