The Red Crayon Dispute

I heard the disagreement start to escalate. The older three kids colored at the kitchen table while I cooked and held the baby. Harmless enough…until everyone needed the red crayon…at the same time. It started with “It’s my turn” followed by “You already had a turn!” followed by a very loud and frustrated “No, I didn’t.” Then began a game of crayon tug of war until I stepped in to avoid children causing physical harm to one another. My kids were more interested in winning the dispute than actually using the red crayon.

When we have disagreements, sometimes we forget there’s a person on the other side–a person who breathes, bleeds and has feelings. We hurt other people in order to win the adult version of the red crayon dispute. We are more interested  in being right and ‘the principal of the matter’ than showing unconditional kindness which God requires from us.

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ has also forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32

God doesn’t say you won’t have disagreements, but He does say to be kind and loving towards others no matter how you’ve been treated. Practice kindness and forgiveness even if you’re in the right. Pray and thank God for the kindness He shows to you.

By: Lyndsay Crews