Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

                Thirty-two students filed in to my third period English class.  They were talkative and preoccupied as they took their seats.  One young lady toward the back of the class continued to be distracted even after I called the class to order and the other students were on task.  I asked her to settle down.  In response, she retorted some crude and disrespectful statement.  I was shocked.  Immediately I told her, “You need to see me after class!”  She nodded her head and became quiet.  I continued with my lessons, and the incident was temporarily dropped.  

                After class, she approached my desk.  I was prepared to “let her have it” with a lecture on respect plus assign her consequences that would teach her to never talk to me that way again.  But, as she came toward me, the Holy Spirit spoke in that still small voice saying, “Love her.  She’s hurting.  Don’t be harsh with her.”  I instantly changed my approach.

                “Honey, what’s wrong?  That’s not like you?  What happened?”  I asked.  She burst into tears and began to explain how she had experienced major humiliation in the class just before mine. She was upset when she came into my classroom, and she took her frustration out on me.  She tearfully apologized.  She let me know how much she liked me as a teacher, and how she felt bad that she said the things she did.  I patted her arm and assured her that I understood.  We discussed her embarrassing incident, and I was able to give her some counsel and pray with her. 

                I never had another disrespectful word from her.  Had I not listened to that small “inner” voice of God that was instructing me for that situation, I could have built a wall between us for the entire year.  Instead, I was able to love her to correction and help her deal with a difficult experience.  Learn to listen carefully.  It may transform your relationship with a student as you allow Christ to love them through you.

Dear God, Thank you for your faithfulness and your instruction.  You care about my day, and you have promised to lead me if I will listen, watch and follow.