Duck tape for my mouth

Do you ever say something you shouldn’t? Well, one of my homeless friends encountered a verbal attack, and instead of retaliating, Nikki (not her real name) chose to read her Bible. I can say that’s a lesson for me. I hope to react like that, but I know that’s not always the case.

For my friend, it became clear that to get her mind on track; she needed several chapters of verses to gain strength, to keep her response at bay.

After she’d told me about her situation, another friend, Linda (not her real name), who lives on the street, lashed out words of hate as she explained a troubling situation within her community of friends.

In describing the ordeal, she used the Lord’s name in vain to validate her stance, and it became clear that her expectations were off.

Her actions made me cringe, and she got close to me, waving her arms. And she spoke with a pitch that sent a shrill into the air.

I let her empty the ugliness, and then I ended up praying for Linda and her bothersome encounter with someone. I also shared some verses with her. And she gave me a drawing with a heart on it by the end of our talk and left calmer than when we first met.

After Linda moved on, Nikki asked, “How did you know how to handle her? She’s so volatile.”

“I guess I’m following your idea, I let her have her say, but I sent her to scripture for peace.”

“Good idea.”

I agreed. “I see her brokenness, and I can’t expect her to respond rightly apart from Christ. But I can do this; I can listen, give her scripture, and impart hope.”

Nikki said, “I feel bad; I didn’t pray for the person who shouted at me earlier. I was so mad. But I did read my Bible.”

“Then let’s pray for her now.”

So we held hands and prayed right there for the person who got under Nikki’s skin. But guess who walked up and joined us precisely as I finished the prayer?

Now that was an odd—but cool moment, too. And who knows, this person may have heard our talking about handling strife. And about seeking God.

You know, friends, the world can be ugly. We judge. We think we’re right. We have an opinion. We voice our thoughts. We forget about compassion. And we tuck away the mercy while pointing our fingers. We like to have the last word.

So I pray we share the hope in Christ instead, in our actions and our words. May we glorify Him in our walk with purposed steps. May we study the Bible to gain strength too.

And for some of us, we may need to buy Duck tape for our mouths if that’s what’s required. I know I keep a roll handy for myself.

In other words, may we think before we speak. Or type. May we search our hearts for the ugly lurking inside. And may we show mercy, not anger.

May we shine brightly for the Kingdom. May we give someone our socks. Or a hug. Or a verse. And if they need the gospel, let’s be sure to add that to the conversation.

It’s not easy to be a friend to some people, but remember, we can be the opinionated one on any given day, especially when we debate, validate, or argue and end up causing strife.

But we can purpose to do better by keeping scripture deep within our hearts to guide us. Still, if you need to borrow my tape, sorry. I’m sure I’ll need it before you do!