“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32, NIV
Nancy turned her car down the parking lot aisle and felt a hard “thump” as the car that was backing out connected with hers. She did a quick assessment and realized she wasn’t injured, other than feeling slightly jarred.
But her gratitude morphed into annoyance. Now, she’d have to call the police, wait for the officer to show up, and contact her insurance company.
She stepped out of the car to ask why the other driver hadn’t stopped to look before backing out. But one look at his face stopped her. He looked in his mid-fifties with a graying mustache and a frown that pulled his mouth down at the corners.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, as soon as he was out of his car.
“Just shaken,” Nancy reassured. The man looked so sad that she felt the need to offer him some comfort. “Don’t worry. It’s a minor fender bender.”
The other driver looked like he was near tears. “I’m sorry. My wife always handled the auto insurance, and she passed away last week.”
Nancy spoke kindly to the older man and comforted him. Having lost her grandfather just a few months ago, she tried to encourage him gently.
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes, my first response to a situation isn’t grace. But let me be kind and remember the other person may be dealing with deep pain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
