A Lesson From Thumper
- The Narrow Path
- Dec 30, 2022
- 3 min read
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9, NIV).
We recently had a discussion at work about our favorite Disney movie. The ages of those involved in the conversation spanned at least four decades, so it was fun to compare answers! The Lion King, Pocahontas, and a surprise choice, Holes, were all named as favorites among the group. Our conversation shifted to another movie that is one of Disney’s earliest, and most classic movies of all time: Bambi.
When you think about some of the most popular lines from Bambi, I always remember the infamous words spoken by Thumper, the rabbit who was named for the constant thumping of his left hind foot, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”While his grammar was slightly off, his message was spot on.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the motives, decisions, words, or actions of another have left you feeling annoyed, frustrated, or even angry? I know we’ve all been there. I think it’s human nature to struggle when we are at odds with the words or actions of another. I recently experienced this after a certain person in our lives was unkind to my mom. I don’t believe it was intentional, but words were spoken in an unkind and unwarranted way. Unfortunately, instead of letting the words go and recognizing that hurting people hurt people (I know I do the same at times), I allowed the words to generate an unkind response in me, too. And this is not the Jesus way.
1 Peter 3:9 says: Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. If I had remembered the words penned in the book of 1 Peter or even those spoken by our friend Thumper, I might have given a second thought to the words I spoke in response. Though I didn’t speak the words directly to this individual, I later felt remorse in my heart because of the way I chose to respond.
Unfortunately, we live in a world full of broken people. Though I am unable to control the thoughts, words, and actions of those around me, I can choose how I respond. However, the sinful nature in me will continue to rear its ugly head if I am not intentional to fill my head and heart with scripture that reminds me to repay evil with good.
Admittedly, I fail often when it comes to giving the first fruits of my day to the Lord. Going to bed later than usual, hitting the snooze, and being distracted by my phone are just a few things that throw me off my routine. But when I spend time with the Lord and in the Word, it daily renews my mind, prepares me for the day ahead, and helps me to be more like Thumper.
The next time I find myself at odds with the actions or words of another, I am going to remember the truth contained in scripture, think about Thumper’s sweet little voice, and keep my mouth shut. Choosing to repay evil with good is Jesus’ way.
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