The last few weeks, Pennsylvania State University Sandusky
Our Bible
tells a similar story of King David using his power to steal Bathsheba and
manipulate the death of her husband. The prophet Nathan had the courage to
confront King David for his behaviour. (2 Samuel 12) Hopefully, most of us will
not have such a difficult task. Still there is a lesson to be learned from both
of these stories.
In many
congregations, work environments, schools, there are people that we class as
cranky. Because we know that underneath their often brusque manner and harsh
words is a generous and hard working individual, we don’t want to hurt them.
Instead we rush in to assure the victims of the sharp remark or negative words
with: “Just let her words roll of your back, that’s just who she is.” Or “Just
ignore his tone, he means well, he’s just passionate about that issue.” We make
excuses and hope that the timid and sensitive among us learn to give these
people a wide berth. In essence, we cover-up and make excuses, just like the
head coach at Penn
State University
Our lack of
action facilitates the person in their dysfunction, and it is not loving. I’ve
met too many lonely people in nursing homes, who all their lives have rode
roughshod over others. Now in their final years, nurses struggle to be
compassionate, family and friends come grudgingly to visit.
The story of Nathan and King David
tells me that God would like us to hold up a mirror, as Nathan did. Giving
someone the opportunity to see and understand the damage he/she actually causes,
opens the way for transformation.
Yes confrontation requires courage.
Yes, it requires love. Yes, it requires prayer. When we seek God’s help, we can
give our “cranky” friend the opportunity for new life.
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