WWJD

Being a teenager, there are times where you are completely surrounded by drama. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, it always, always, always has a way of hunting you down and devouring you like a hawk. While the presence of drama is not so fun, the way the it's handled can really make or break the situation. Thinking about the situations I've been in, there are three responses to drama.

The first being, ignore it. Sometimes when there is drama, the best thing you can do is ignore it. Live your life like it ever happened. Forgiving and moving on. Eventually the storm will pass and life will go on. But sometimes this is not really possible. You may need to confront someone about something and try to work things out. Not scream and yell at them, but calmly try to figure out the truth on the situation and as best as you can, figure out a plan to fix the issue. Even though these are both extremely hard, the third response isn't as pleasant as the first two. The third response is unfortunately the one most people tend to think is the only way to go about handling the situation. It seems when people create drama, the people just create more drama, bad mouth  and hold grudges. And soon enough, friendships are ruined and people are hurt. 

In my life, I've tried my very to avoid drama and live at peace with everyone. But not only to live at peace with everyone, but to love, forgive, and serve them as well. Even though I fail daily, Christ never failed and His life on earth was an example to us all. 

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." -Romans 12:18

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." -Matthew 6:14

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." -Colossians 3:13

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." -1 Peter 3:9

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." -Romans 12:17

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -Matthew 5:38-48

Over and over again, the Bible tells us to forgive others and not to return evil for evil. To live a life that reflects Christ's life here on earth. And that is exactly what we should try to do. Even though we don't always succeed, it doesn't mean we can't go back and make things right. 

The next time you encounter drama, don't be quick to get even, or spread more lies, but think, WWJD. (What Would Jesus Do) You can never do wrong with following His example.

~Em