Give What You Get

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV

This was the daily verse on Friday but since I didn't write an entry Friday night I looked back tonight to see the verses for today and yesterday. This one rings true for me today. Our TKD academy is hosting the Relay for Life kickoff and I was interviewed today as a breast cancer survivor. I was asked about my fighting style in TKD. I said I was aggressive but predictable because I'm not quick enough to adapt on the fly. I have to think it through first before I act. But I can also give as good as I get, protect myself and stand my ground. This gives a person a certain level of confidence. I could easily retaliate against someone who sets out to do me harm.

But this verse is stronger than any amount of fight I've got in me and more important to me than any number of bars on my belt. I may have to one day defend myself or someone I love but I would not escalate it or go after them. It makes no sense to sue just because you think you can. Or treat someone else in the same bad manner they treated you. It's ok to know your limits. It's ok to walk away. It's not ok to lower yourself to their level. Be above it. Be better. Pray for them.

I can give as good as I get. Self control is choosing not to.