Encouragement

---

In a culture such as ours, walking away from a threatening situation of any kind would possibly be considered by some as that our nerve has failed, or worse still that we have committed an act of abject cowardice. To go rushing in with sleeves rolled up and fists flying is seen by many as the right thing to do, as though that was the only possible way of settling a problem or difference of opinion. Go on, they say, show them who’s the boss!

Somebody once said “He who throws the first punch has lost the argument” and there is a great deal of truth in that statement. How often have we been in some kind of dispute that has degenerated into seriously bad feelings and then afterwards, when we have had time to cool off, said to ourselves “I wish that I hadn’t said (or done) that!” The awful truth however is that words, once uttered, take on a life of their own, and despite our most fervent efforts to erase them from our minds will often come back to haunt us time and time again.

Of course, turning our back on a disagreeable situation can be a very disturbing and emotional thing to do. That is only natural. For example, walking away from a marriage or relationship that has become fraught with bitterness and harsh words is often a most harrowing action to take. All sorts of guilt feelings will nag away at our heart and mind.

Yet in the long run it is almost certainly the best thing to do, even if only for a brief period, because it gives us the time and the space for our emotional turmoil to settle down and for our minds to clear. Also it has the added advantage that we have prevented the situation from deteriorating even further.

Remember that walking away is not an indication of weakness or cowardice. Quite the opposite in fact, for it is a sign of personal power, of dignity, and of nobility. It shows the world that when things seem to be coming apart at the seams, when we are being provoked, or when others are hostile towards us, it is we who are ultimately in control of the situation.

The Bible tells us that even Jesus had to walk away sometimes, not to avoid any unpleasantness or because he objected to the noise and clamour of the ever increasing crowds, but because he needed the time and the space for his mind to clear, so that he could enter into the silence and receive the knowledge and the wisdom that he needed to continue his ministry effectively.

So if we feel we should distance ourselves from what could otherwise be a distasteful confrontation or from someone’s unfair demands, do so, for in this period of quietness and reflection we will experience a blissful healing of the mind and spirit. This will give us the inner strength to view our lives in a more rational and courageous way, and to spiritually reinforce our character and our faith.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE