Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23
The other night I watched a veterinarian show dealing with a badly injured dog that was taken into a shelter. That dog was labeled aggressive because it would lash out in pain when anyone tried to move or touch him.
A veterinarian practice took possession of the dog and all his records. They also had to be very careful around the dog, but they understood that even the calmest animal could snap or bite while in tremendous pain. They didn’t hold it against their new charge, even though he was said to be aggressive.
The veterinarian and others working with the dog put a muzzle on him in order to handle him safely. He ended up being a sweet dog that loved everyone, including children and other dogs. The healing he received from an understanding staff gave him a whole new attitude.
This doesn’t just apply just to animals though; people are the same way! We need to understand that if someone is lashing out, it’s usually because they’re in pain too. It could be a physical pain, but usually it’s fear, insecurity, or frustration, to name just a few. People can feel backed into a corner just as a dog can.
Instead of our normal reaction to someone acting in an aggressive, unpleasant way, let’s try to dig deeper to see if we can understand what’s behind the behavior before labeling him or her. Maybe they just need a series of treatments. A program of love, understanding, and maybe even help is what could be needed.
I challenge you to make sure you’re not the one lashing out. Even if you feel it’s the only thing left for you to do, put a muzzle on it! I can guarantee you that it will always do more harm than good if you don’t.
There is always another way. Even if you feel like you’ve tried everything, it’s still not hopeless. Instead of being aggressive, talk softly and kindly with words that help and don’t insult. People will tune in better, and I’m sure your label will be a more pleasant one. It’s more likely to describe you as a peacemaker or someone with wisdom.
