Devotion: Shake It Off

 

“Shake it off.” ~ Taylor Swift

I don’t know if you’ve ever had bad vibes from someone, but I’m guessing you have. It happens. It could be over a big thing or a little thing. The other person takes something you say the wrong way. Or maybe someone says something hurtful to you. It’s just one of those things in life that we all face but no one enjoys.

I’ve been thinking about how to get past conflict, how to be loving, but also how to avoid getting caught up in a mess. I found some quality conflict management advice from Paul.

Paul went on a soul-rattling journey to Rome in Acts 27. He gave travel advice that went unheeded. The ship was caught in a storm. Some men tried to abandon the ship. Soldiers aboard were about to kill prisoners. The ship was destroyed. Astonishingly, everyone made it to shore.

The story continues in Acts 28.

“The islanders showed unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed the men because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, ‘This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live’ ” (Acts 28:2-4 NIV).

Let’s stop right there.

Paul just went through a nightmare shipwreck. I have to applaud the man for getting up and doing anything! He could’ve sat by the fire and let someone else do the work, but Paul doesn’t stop serving. He gathers wood. A venomous snake bites him, but instead of helping, the others decide he must be a murderer for such a misfortune to happen. What did Paul do? Did he run away and weep? Did he get angry and unleash a few fast words filled with spite? Did he plan some passive-aggressive comeback?

No.

In a beautiful act of grace, he “shakes it off.” Seriously, this makes me smile so big. It fills my heart because sometimes the Bible is so spectacularly simple in its guidance. Here’s exactly what happened after the snake fastened itself to Paul and the people said unkind things:

“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god” (Acts 28:5-6 NIV).

Luke, the writer of Acts, doesn’t even pause here to say anything else. Acts 28 just carries on. Paul moves toward his next ministry opportunity, and there is zero drama or hindrance. What if we did that?

Now, there is a time and place for healthy and kind confrontation. I am not suggesting we throw up our hands and ignore every unpleasant thing that comes our way. I’m just saying that sometimes it is beneficial to shake it off. We are wise to know when to talk it out and when to press on unhindered. Paul made a quick call. We can only make this decision with the Holy Spirit’s leading in our hearts and with a mature mind that knows what needs addressing and what doesn’t.

Can you remember a time where you said something silly–like ridiculously immature and flippant? Can you remember the feeling of wishing you could just erase the message or put the words back in your mouth? Remember how it would’ve been so gracious if that person could’ve shaken the whole thing off and kept going?

Since the Bible tells us to treat others as we want to be treated, I think that in the right circumstances, we can love someone by shaking rogue words into the fire and moving on to the next thing. Errant words can bite, but they don’t have to carry a sting that shuts us down or causes us to sin. May we all grow in our understanding of when to pause and process and when to shake it off.

Dear heavenly Father, It hurts when people say careless things. Sometimes we need to be wise and work through problems, unveiling their root causes, but other times it is good to overlook an offense. Please give us wisdom. Please help us to withhold words that might quickly roll off our tongues in defense. Let us listen to you as you show us how to properly handle stray words. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 Scriptures for Reflection

 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV)

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV)

“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16 NIV)

Reach for More

 This week’s challenge is to consider shaking off something that otherwise might upset you. It may not be appropriate. You definitely may want to talk through things, but at least consider the idea of overlooking an offense.

Please come back and leave a comment telling us if you applied this concept to a situation this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

 

Lindsey Feldpausch is a creative writer, graphic design enthusiast, social media coordinator, and sinner saved by grace who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her worship leader/youth pastor husband and four delightful kiddos fill life with unbelievably amusing quotes and sweet snuggles. She thinks God is awesome and that the best adventure starts with saying yes to that still, small voice.