The atmosphere was electric; the beat of the drum could be felt through the floor. Thousands of people stood to hear the band. In the midst of the music and noise, a lady continued to stand behind me. Finally, she said, "You’re in my seat." I am sure the confusion showed on my face as I had been sitting in the same purchased seat as I had throughout the night. Not understanding, I shook my head. She continued, louder, "That’s my seat." Still, I did not move knowing full well that she was wrong. She finally screamed in my face, "That’s MY SEAT! MOVE!" … That’s when my temper threatened to erupt. Stubbornly, I replied "No," and turned my back to her. She then forcibly shoved me out into the aisle. It could have ended in an extremely heated debate. However, I went to the nearest security person available and told her my problem. The security guard went to the lady, looked at her ticket and pointed her to another section, one well behind my seat. The woman who had begun the drama never paused to apologize, which only infuriated me more. I knew what I had to do … sit and pray for the woman until my anger ebbed from my heart.
This confrontation left me pondering how some people continually walk this earth with a chip on their shoulder. They always seem to be on the lookout for an opportunity to bully and verbally abuse anyone who crosses their path. They are constantly surrounded by drama, never walking in peace and love. Unfortunately, many of these are Christians. Just as a pebble is thrown into a still body of water, the effects of drama and confrontation encompass a wide circle, affecting friends and loved ones. Once one conflict is resolved, it is not long until they find a new target for their verbal abuse. However, when you are the target, it is very difficult not to get caught in the same trap and only add to the anger and drama. Too often, we retaliate angrily, causing the confrontation to boil beyond control. When it is Christians who cause and retaliate to confrontations, the devil laughs, for its then that he has control over us.
Jesus had many confrontations during His walk on earth. They tried to test Him numerous times. Yet, He answered them in love and patience. At any time He could have said, "Enough" and destroyed them, but He didn’t. He could’ve said, "Dad, these humans aren’t worth the price I’m paying. Bring Me home." But He didn’t. … When all His disciples deserted Him, they physically and verbally abused Him, yet He did not hold it against them. He loved them all enough to die for the ones who screamed for His crucifixion. In the midst of this reflection, there is only one way to handle a confrontation, to love them anyway as Christ loves us all. "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Mat 5:44-45).