"Take that!" "I'm not taking that!" "You will learn to handle it!" "Handle this!" "Is so?" "Let me see how YOU handle this one!" "We'll get you back!" "Go right ahead!" "You are playing stupid!" "Just wait and see!" "You are barking up the wrong tree!" "Don't worry, who laugh last laugh the best!" "When I am finished with YOU; WE will see who the REAL boss is!" "You can't do me anything!" "Watch what going to happen next!" "Don't mess with me!" "I am not afraid of you or anyone for that matter!" "Who started it?" "Not me!" These heated comments echo some of the spoken and unspoken negative sentiments in a nasty game of 'tit for tat' and for some, just reading those lines could bring up sour memories. It may even be the spark that some use as excuses for marking their territory and entering into another battle; BUT be aware, it is truly pointless and a waste of valuable time and energy as nobody wins in such a battle and there can be much causality! What started out as a game of 'tit for tat', can lead to damage of character and body! Too often, opposing parties believe that every inconsiderate or cruel move will be the 'right ammunition' needed, when what is really needed is an end to an unrewarding game of 'tit for tat'. There are those who love 'the bacchanal' and they thrive on these battles, never giving thought to the true extent of their senseless thoughts and/or actions. Don't be a participant in the harmful game of 'tit for tat!' The mentalities of 'an eye for an eye' and 'a tooth for a tooth' are not the required building blocks for a secure and stable society. Yes, we all have battles which may catch us on the blind side, but do we really have to get even? Let God fight the battles! He is the only one who sees every potential enemy, threat and outcome beforehand.
Most battles begin in private with some of them ending up in public; however they ALL begin with negative thoughts, which, if not checked, could lead to unconstructive words. As I would have indicated in a previous article, words have power and can be used for good or for bad. I have been inspired to put a new spin on 'tit for tat' which you can feel free to share. Remove the first 't' from 'tit' and 'tat' and what you are left with is 'it' and 'at.' So when 'it' (life's challenging situations) happens, don't react negatively to 'it.' Instead, look 'at' your responding 'tat' and consider carefully what 'it' could mean to you and those around you. Thought should always be given to our actions. We should constantly ask ourselves, if our actions contribute negatively or positively to the building up of the society. We should also ask, if our actions and reactions are proper examples for the younger ones, who learn more from what we do, rather than from what we say. As much as is possible, let our every thought, word and action be pleasing to God. Face it! We ALL get aggrieved at times, however, we can't change others, but we can wisely choose our responses to others' actions. Small situations, if not handled correctly, can have dire consequences. "Who started it?" is not as important as "who will put an end to it?" Please get that...and don't be drawn into a dangerous game of 'tit for tat!' "Take that!"
