Teased
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
The younger boy, John, spoke up and said, "He said you are the teacher's pet and are privileged. You make us look bad by your answering all of the questions Mr. Arnold asks."
I knew that John had added to what Rick had said because his reply was longer than Rick's original statement. But It was obvious they both felt the same way.
Sunday School is almost always a lot of fun. We have a great teacher who shares Bible stories and shows us how they apply today. The Bible is still very relevant and has a lot to teach us. Still, one Sunday morning something seemed off with our class. Maybe it was the lesson. Maybe it was Mr. Arnold, our teacher, or maybe it was just me.
I started pondering the matter right after everyone had left our classroom. I was not sure what was wrong, but very few kids participated in the class. During our study period, I found myself feeling uncomfortable and waiting for someone to speak up. Ultimately, Cyclone or I raised our hand and explained to the class what we thought the answer should be. More often than not I was the one who spoke up.
Soon after class, Cyclone and I finished putting back the things Mr. Arnold used and we cleaned off his Dry Erase white board. We then closed the door to our room and headed to the Junior Church room. As we hurried that way, Rick, the older of two boys saw us in the hallway and said something to us. I looked at Cyclone and he just shrugged his shoulders, so I asked Rick to repeat what he'd said.
The younger boy, John, spoke up and said, "He said you are the teacher's pet and are privileged. You make us look bad by your answering all of the questions Mr. Arnold asks." I knew that John had added to what Rick had said because his reply was longer than Rick's original statement. But It was obvious they both felt the same way. Maybe I was being too quick to speak because I felt uncomfortable with the silences in class. Maybe I was trying too hard to help Mr. Arnold.
Cyclone immediately came to my defense by saying ,"Blizzard is not the teacher's pet and he does not interfere with anyone that wants to share what they have learned from their Sunday School preparation. Besides Mr. Arnold explains the lesson before he asks questions so all we need to do is listen so we can know the answer to his questions."
Rick said, "Blizzard is still Mr. Arnold's pet and he treats him differently than the rest of us."
I replied, "I think you should discuss this with Mr. Arnold. He will listen respectfully to you and carefully consider the matter. Mr. Arnold definitely cares for me, but he loves and cares for all of us. Cyclone and I come to class faithfully and we are always prepared. We participate in order to encourage others to prepare and get involved. I know Mr. Arnold appreciates that and depends on us to help make the class more fun for all. Mr. Arnold does not want the class to be a forty-five-minute lecture. As long as we stay on topic, he will give all of us time to ask questions or share our understanding of the topic under discussion. I am sorry if I have spoken up too often. I would like to hear more from you guys and will try to give you more time to share in class."
At that John asked, "What if we get it wrong. Will the kids laugh at us? Will Mr. Arnold speak to us like we are dumb? You guys and the girls always have the right answer. Rick and I are unsure of ourselves. You guys have been Christians much longer than we have."
Cyclones said, "Nobody will make fun of you or anyone. We all make mistakes. We know you are newer Christians, but no one knows all of the things of the Bible. Grandpa says the Bible is not just bigger than we know, it is bigger than we can ever completely know. Grandpa still has questions and he studies a lot to try to understand."
We were going to be late for Junior Church so I invited Rick and John to meet with us after church so we could talk some more. I reassured them that they were well liked and we would always appreciate hearing from them. Even if they give an incorrect answer, there is someone else that does not know the answer either and will benefit. When that happens on occasion, we all learn more.
As we started to leave Rick and John thanked Cyclone and me. Rick said, "You are truly good guys. I am thankful you took a little time to explain something that has been bothering me. You guys are real friends. I think you answered the questions we would have asked Mr. Arnold. I am already looking forward to next Sunday. Maybe we can visit more after church."
Dear Friend,
We are often tempted to respond harshly when we are accused. This is especially true when we feel the accusation is unjust. I was unsure about myself when I was approached by Rick and John. As I listened to them, I understood they had a serious concern.
My response could have had a positive or negative long-term effect on them and their love for the church. Here is what the Bible says about the matter: Proverbs 15: 1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” csb
Cyclone and I could have made the problem bigger than it was, but instead we made a couple of friends. I hope you always try to make friends even when it is difficult. In one way or another you will always be blessed.
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