“I’ll see your negativity and raise you!" // Pastor Jon Larson

We’ve all found ourselves in situations where emotions are running high and for some reason the person in front of us is just ripping into us. At first we may be tempted to engage in the dysfunction but perhaps there is an opportunity to have a greater influence. You see, we never know what someone else is carrying and what’s at the root of their pain or hurt. They may be lashing out due to what’s happening in their own lives and the lack of control or variety of emotions they may be experiencing. In those times when we are the recipients of someone’s frustration and anger, what would it mean to be intentional about handling hearts well and to extend a blessing into and over their lives? Our response matters. This week we’ll be taking some time looking at David’s response to one individual who didn’t hold anything back when it came to venting his anger. Yet instead of escalating the conflict David met Shimei with grace and a personal reflection.