Years ago, I traveled with students to Europe for a semester-long study abroad program. Having led many short-term and longer-term study abroad programs over the years, I’ve seen my share of behavioral and emotional issues faced by students when they’re far from home.
In this case, as the weeks progressed, one student’s attitude began to deteriorate, and in the final month of the program she became increasingly underwhelmed, uninterested, uncooperative. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t engage her. I had just about had my fill, so I called her to a one-on-one meeting.
Stewing for Weeks
When the time for our meeting approached, I was ready – prepared for battle. I had been stewing for weeks, and I was determined to confront her. But when she arrived, something stopped me.
Rather than launch my frustrations at her, I asked, “Is everything OK? Is there anything you want to talk about?”
“Yes!” she blurted, on the verge of tears. “Thank you so much for noticing! I’ve been completely homesick, and I’ve discovered I don’t really like traveling. Everyone told me how much I would love studying abroad. I just want to go home.”
Ready to Pass Judgment
I was more than stunned, not sure what to say next.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
I was ready to pass judgment, but kindness was needed. I had mentally rehearsed harshness, but gentleness and self-control were the qualities that would help rather than hurt. What a mistake I was about to make, and I’m so grateful that the Holy Spirit prevented me from causing more damage.
Natural or Supernatural?
This passage reminds me that left to my own devices, I’m going to do the natural thing. But God calls me to the supernatural thing, and that requires walking by the Spirit.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17
My Strength Is Insufficient
I know I’m still going to misread situations and misjudge students, but my prayer is that if I’m going to err, that God would lead me to err on the side of mercy. Showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control will never be wrong.
In my own strength and willpower, I simply cannot conjure up these Christ-like qualities. Only the power of the Holy Spirit, promised to all believers, can produce the fruit in me that I can never produce on my own.
