Home Is Where the Hurt Is

As Christians, we try to reflect God’s peace and grace in every interaction we have during the day.  But let’s be honest—some days we are a little more sensitive than others, and those plans don’t pan out.  You misplace your reports at work one day and a coworker makes a snide comment about it, and even though your blood is boiling, you are civilized enough not to retort—until you go home. 

See, you probably patted yourself on the back for being so “Christian” at work, but if you were honest with yourself, refraining from revenge was more about image-preservation than Christian love.  And once you walk in the door of your home, sweet home, all the frustration and anxiety that was pent-up from the workday can now be released—or rather, ambushed on any soul within your path.  If this is a common occurrence, the noise from the garage door opening may be a signal for your family to take cover, instead of produce an onslaught of adoration with hugs and kisses and squeals of “You’re finally home!”

There are two crucial parts of the day that can set the tone for the rest of your communication with your family:  when you wake up and when you return home.  Starting the day with a smile and a pleasant “good morning” makes you and everyone living at your house more inclined to respond kindly—it’s contagious.  If you have ever tried to pick a fight with someone who refused to be pulled down, then you know the power of a kind word.  When the first words you growl after returning home are, “Why isn’t dinner ready yet?” and your spouse tries to cheer you up you instead of throwing wood onto your tongue of fire, then the fire grows dimmer.  Proverbs 15:1 says, “A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.”

We sometimes hold ourselves more accountable around the people we care less about.  Even though our actions at home are not publicly displayed, these moments have the deepest impact on others.  Frustrations and hurt will always creep into our day, but we can continue to embed our lives with His peace and grace if we actively choose kindness day after day.