On our drive from O’Hare International Airport back home to Michigan City, we had to go through multiple tollbooths. At the last one, we were stuck behind a black SUV where it was clear the occupants had not given enough change. You could see silhouettes scrounging around in between seats, searching the floors, and rummaging through the glove compartment. It was easy to see frustration building on the people in vehicles behind as well as in the booth. After finally finding enough change and as the vehicle sped away, its driver through sunglasses at the tollbooth lady. Of course people watching from the outside were flustered, outraged, and confused.
But the person who threw them wasn’t. They knew exactly why they threw them. Why? Because they know what’s going on in their life and that one more thing will make them snap.
People were asking why because they disapproved of the behavior, but I asked why praying that whatever led that person to the unexpected outburst would be lifted from them, sorted, and they would be brought peace.
The problem is, we are great at disapproving of behavior, judging, and looking down on people that don’t respond to our standards. We need to stop being onlookers, bystanders, that watch and judge others and begin asking ‘Why?’ What is going on in that person’s life? What is breaking their heart? How can I come alongside them and love them?
Let’s roll up our sleeves, rub shoulders, and do the unexpected...that should be the norm.
Get out there and love because when people are hardest to love is when they need it the most.
You may be the only Bible someone ever reads, the only Jesus they ever meet. What are they reading? What kind of Jesus are they meeting?
