Settle the Matter Quickly

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” Matthew 5:25 NIV

In an update to a disturbing story aired last week regarding an altercation between two high school track runners, it was reported that the Virginia high school track and field athlete who was seen bashing an opponent's head with a baton during a race has been charged with assault and battery, Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Office confirmed to Fox News Digital. I.C. Norcom High School student athlete Alaila Everett was seen smashing her baton on the head of Brookville High School junior Kaelen Tucker during a championship meet last week. Footage of the incident went viral in the following days, prompting national controversy and backlash against Everett. Tucker was later diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture. Although the footage, which has been thoroughly reviewed, leaves very little room for speculation that it was NOT an accident on Everett’s part, Ailala claims the hits occurred because she lost her balance and her baton got "stuck" behind her opponent's back. 

And, you know, throughout the course of the events that escalated rapidly and eventually resulted in a criminal charge being brought against Ailala, there were many opportunities for Everett and her family to “settle matters quickly” by reaching out to the Tucker family and apologizing—a gesture that could very well have stopped this matter from going to court. In fact, not only did Ailala NOT express regret for what happened (which should have been done immediately even if it was an accident) but said, that while she caused physical pain for Tucker, there wasn’t enough empathy for her own "mental" impact. "Everybody has feelings, so you’re physically hurt, but you’re not thinking of my mental," Everett said. I don’t know about you but I found Ailala’s response to be cold, misguided, and extremely inappropriate. 

So, be set apart from the world my friend by being quick to accept the blame and to apologize when you have hurt or wronged someone (whether intentionally or unintentionally). Doing so will not only keep you from being “thrown in prison” (or at the very least help you from being dragged into court), but will protect your reputation, your integrity, and your witness for Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your Word that gives us instructions on how to deal with conflict of every sort. Lord, help us to follow the advice You have given us in the Bible that we might live as ambassadors for Christ at all times, representing You well amidst a world that needs the influence of salt and light. Help us to admit and apologize when we have hurt or wronged someone Lord, knowing that it is beneficial for all involved. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!