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A dear friend recently shared that he is trying something “new.” As a customer service rep, he is daily on the receiving end of complaints and all too frequently these complaints are delivered in a loud, abusive manner.
In the past, my friend had taken the stand that he would not suffer abuse, and he’d given as good as he got. While this approach often caused the caller to simmer down, it never extinguished the flame. The issue may have been resolved, but both my friend and the caller hung up feeling disgruntled.
My friend’s new approach is to patiently wait out the flood of hot complaint, and then quietly suggest a solution or offer advice. Amazingly, this approach seems to miraculously turn venom-spewing lunatics into reasonable men and women who usually end up thanking him for his help.
I couldn’t help but smile. This approach really is nothing new. Proverbs 15:1 counsels that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Thinking back on this conversation another biblical passage came to mind: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22). In other words: Just Do It!
All the wisdom of Scripture really does us no good until we put it into practice. Reflecting back on what my friend shared I see how putting God’s word into practice bolsters our faith. He is proved trustworthy and true, and we reap the benefits of His wisdom.
Does a time come to mind when your faith was encouraged through doing what you heard? I’d love to hear your story.
Thanks for sharing this story, Karen. Such a simple example of where we live, and where the Scriptures meet us in our every day. The Word is true and it does work and change and move and unsettle us. What a great example. I look forward to remembering these words and taking to heart and taking in hand what the Lord teaches next. Janine