Abby-

Excellent insights. I hate that blogposts are reduced to 500 words. You are so true about getting to the heart of the anger issue. I look back to my own example and it turned out that the girl’s sister was going through some major issues. We have to have discernment as youth leaders and help others to see the whole story. It’s truly about pointing everyone back to Christ. Thanks so much for sharing!

I look back to my high school days with some clarity now. I think of all the times I got angry with someone, and mostly it was because I got picked on. But now that I’ve lived a few years of observing people, I can see how a lot of those kids had WAY bigger issues going on in their lives and I can understand their behavior toward me.

No, they shouldn’t have been mean to me, and no, I shouldn’t have handled my anger like I sometimes did. But now I can look at this person or that person and say “Hmm, I’m pretty sure he was actually getting smacked around at home.” Or “Hmm, she knew a lot about sex, maybe there was more to her behavior than I could imagine.”

This has allowed me to have compassion, years after the fact. Express to youth that there are different causes for anger, and that people often cause hurt when they’re hurting. Truly, Jesus’ words ring true here, to pray for those who persecute you. One person’s light could mean all the difference for someone who’s spreading their undeserved darkness.

Thanks,
🙂 Abby