16 August | Youth
«Bear with each other.» Colossians 3:13, NIV
As long as there is a world, people of different ages will have differences of opinion, as they see life through different “lenses” and feelings. For some, the most important thing is comfort and stability. For others, what matters is laughing, having fun, enjoying what is good. How should we deal with these differences?
One time, two co-workers traveled together. When they arrived at the ferry, the older one said to the younger one: “Don’t go in with the car yet.” The other replied: “But we are the first ones! Why not?” The colleague explained: “Those who go in first are the last to leave. Trust me!” The young man consented, reluctantly. He wanted to get in and enjoy the trip. When almost all the space was filled, with only one last available space, the older man said: “Now you can go in. Trust me!” As soon as the ferry began to move away from the pier, the shrill noise of an ambulance was heard as it approached in a hurry. The order was given for the vessel to return. When it docked, an employee pointed to the last vehicle in line and shouted, “Whose car is this?!” The young man replied: “Ours!” The employee told him, “Then take it off. The ambulance has priority.” As the ferry moved away from the port, the two frustrated colleagues stayed there, waiting for the next one. “Trust me, OK? Trust me!” Neither of them could, after that, forget those words.
In life, we can have experience, intelligence, vision and even wisdom, but we can't always get it right. We are fallible, even the most perceptive ones. In general, what really works in human relationships is love and respect. In every people, time and place, there are good ways to demonstrate this, both to older and younger people. Apologizing, saying “thank you,” admitting mistakes, moderating your tone of voice, not speaking ironically, forgetting the revenge, stopping the rage and putting yourself in the other person's shoes, trying to understand their feelings, all of this makes a huge difference! This is what the Bible is talking about when it suggests that we must “bear” with one another. “Bear” is “to give support,” to care, to back, to collaborate, to forgive. God expects this from us. If you ask in faith, He will do this work in your life. Is this your heart's desire today?