I landed at a packed airport. Claiming my luggage was more tedious than usual and I dreaded the shuttle ride to the car rental lot. As soon as the little bus arrived, I took a seat behind the driver as a small army crammed in after me. I quickly noticed that some women were left standing in the center, holding a strap in one hand and steadying their luggage with the other. I thought, What a shame. So I stood up to offer my seat to the closest lady.
I met her eyes and said, “Would you li–”
“What’s wrong?” she snapped.
“Nothing. Would you like–”
“No, I can stand!”
I need to mention that the year was 1974, not long after Bobby Riggs lost “the battle of the sexes” tennis match to Billie Jean King.
I glanced toward another woman for a moment, but when she gave me the evil eye, I decided to sit down and shut up. That’s the day I learned that with some people, you can never win. Even the kindest deed done with the purest motivation can blow up in your face. Don’t take it personally; most of the world is braced for impact and just doesn’t know what to do with a simple act of kindness.
Read the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:1-26.
Read more from Chuck Swindoll at www.SwindollInsights.com
About Charles Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the clear, practical teaching and application of God's Word. He currently pastors Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, and serves as the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. His renowned Insight for Living radio program airs around the world. Chuck and Cynthia, his partner in life and ministry, have four grown children and ten grandchildren.
