“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.” –1 Thessalonians 5:15
It’s a scenario that is likely familiar to all of us: a few months ago, I found myself behind a car that was waiting for a scarce parking space at a local shopping center. The car in front of me had its blinker on and had patiently waited as the owners got in and prepared to leave. As the car backed out of the space, another car (newly arrived on the scene) whipped into the empty spot.
Honking, unrepeatable words and flaring tempers ensued almost immediately. It was a frustrating situation, to put it mildly. Even though I wasn’t involved, I felt angry at the driver who had been so rude and impolite. I understood when the driver who had been patiently waiting gave the other man a piece of his mind. And yet, as a Christian, I ponder events such as these.
Pastor Clarence Schilt said, “We do most of our sinning when we are right.” When someone has treated us badly, we justify ourselves and our responses. Our friends affirm our situation and tell us that they can’t believe how poorly we were treated. And somehow, we convince ourselves that responding with anger or revenge is appropriate.
But the life of Jesus teaches us differently. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (or take our parking space). Following Jesus isn’t about loving those who are already on our friend list. It’s about extending love and grace to those who treat us badly.
Many people assume that because we work in a Christian environment at Loma Linda University Health, we are exempt from these kinds of issues. But sin rears its ugly head everywhere; in fact, the devil probably works harder in a faith-based institution, hoping to discourage those who come here looking for peace.
God’s way is to respond with love. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Let’s covenant to ask God to help us respond with love and generosity.
—Kathy McMillan, MA, is director of employee spiritual care at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
