Mr. Grumpy writes regularly to Goldsworth Park News, grumbling about one thing or another. The tone is negative and critical, and strikes me as rather sad.
We know that there is plenty in the news and our present world to make us grumpy. Fear and worries about the future seem to make some people grumblers and critical about everything. By contrast, others seem to rise above the problems, and see possibilities of being gracious, and reach out positively.
Which route will we take?
St. Paul, while waiting for his friends in Athens, is stirred by what he sees. 'While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city.' (Acts 17.16)
But he didn't get grumpy or grumbling about what he saw, he engaged with the people around him, and made the most of the opportunities to share the Gospel. 'He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.
He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” (Acts 17.17-18)
I guess what made it possible for Paul to be so open-hearted and gracious was he wanted to share the Gospel at every opportunity. If that was our aim too, then we also might find ways to turn every grumpy-making problem into an opportunity to point to Jesus. Wouldn't that be great!
Best wishes,
Richard
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