Reacting Or Responding?

React is defined as "to respond by taking action." Respond is defined as "react; to act or do something in response to something else." In a thesaurus these two words are referred to as being synonymous. However, though these two are sometimes used interchangeably and the definitions are similar, is there a sense in which they might be different? Perhaps the difference is in THE ATTITUDE behind the reaction or response.

Consider an example drawn from Jesus and His disciples.
"(13) Then CHILDREN WERE BROUGHT TO HIM that he might lay his hands on them and pray. THE DISCIPLES REBUKED THE PEOPLE, (14) but JESUS SAID, 'LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME to me and DO NOT HINDER THEM, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.' (15) And he laid his hands on them and went away." ( Matthew 19:13-15 ESV)

Jesus had been in the midst of some deep teaching. He had also dealt with some who merely wanted to trap Him with their questions. The disciples may have reacted to the situation in an attempted to protect the Lord Who had seemingly more important things to do. Jesus did have important things to do! However, He responded to the situation by taking a moment even for these children. Those to whom the disciples put up their hands to halt the coming, Jesus extended His hands for them to come.

When I consider "reacting" and "responding" in my own life, THE ATTITUDE first tends to appear in my posture. To react I may lean back or pull away as though it were a defensive move. To respond I tend to lean forward and am drawn toward the other individual (or situation) ready to offer some kind of assistance. THE ATTITUDE depends on where I allow my focus to rest! When I "react", my focus is most often on myself and I feel put out or inconvenienced by the situation. When I "respond", my focus is generally drawn to the other individual and what it is they are in need of at the moment.

James also provided an example of some we might say reacted, but really did not respond in the manner needed. (note James 2:15-16) We all have busy lives. However, when we get too self-absorbed we will tend to react rather than respond. There is a sense in which we must guard against being so caught up with the urgent that we forget the important. No question that Jesus came with an important and urgent mission to fulfill -- one in which we have been called to share in as we draw others to Him -- but He provided us with the example of how important ministering to the needs of others (physically, socially, and spiritually) is. May we strive to develop HIS HEART for others so that we too may respond in a Christ-like manner.

Have a great day DRAWN TOWARD SERVICE TO OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Attitudes