A Lesson from my Police Captain
One of the joys of ministry in Detroit for me has been serving on the Detroit Police Department as a chaplain. Since being commissioned as chaplain last year, I have the privilege of praying a blessing of protection over officers at their daily roll call, as well as learning the personal and professional struggles of our heroes in blue. A couple times a week, I walk over to the Atwater Police station, next to the church, and interact with these brave men and women before they go out on their assigned beat.
It’s amazing to me how these, mostly very young, officers have sworn an oath to defend and protect the public, most of whom are strangers to them. It’s a high calling to serve, and they do it very well. They put themselves in harms way to de-escalate domestic disputes, they are a calming presence among the mentally ill on the streets, and they enforce laws to keep us all safe.
This week one of the Captains at our precinct reminded the officers during role call of this high calling. He was telling them, in no uncertain terms, their responsibility to be professional and careful in their communication with the public, even if they as a police officer are mistreated.
This Captain is a very Godly man and communicated a biblical truth WE need to consider in our everyday interactions, as well. Although he was using colorful and gritty language, his message was entirely biblical. All of the following verses communicate this Christian ethic my Captain was communicating:
1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Luke 6:27–28: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Romans 12:14 & 21: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Who is it that “tries your patience” or “gets on your last nerve”? Think of them in light of these scriptures the next time you have the urge to get angry and lash out. Unfortunately, it’s those closest to us that get the least amount of verbal filter sometimes. A spouse can be cruel to their partner; a parent can be demeaning to their child; a child can be disrespectful to authorities. Instead, these are the ones who deserve our best and most careful communication.
Jesus modeled this for us throughout his perfect life, but never more than during his trial and execution. 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Can you trust God like this? Can you allow the Spirit to work in you to subdue the passionate opinions, hurt feelings, and unjust treatments you may receive in your workday or at home? I’m not saying that one doesn’t stand up for themselves, especially when being abused. Instead, to demonstrate self control and love, both fruits of the Spirit, is critical while maintaining justice and righteousness in a situation.
Thank God we probably won’t come into situations like the Detroit Police do on a daily basis, however, we all encounter situations that test the outer limits of our patience. When you find yourself in these situations it is best to slow down and react with self control and prayer. Here is a practical type of ‘stop, drop, and roll’ for personal conflict:
- Listen carefully – Even when someone is lashing out, there is a underlying message that should be heard. Perhaps you have been unintentionally hurt them in some way and that needs to be understood before you respond.
- Pause and pray silently – “Take a beat” after the person has finished talking. Introduce some silence into the conversation, if even only for 5-10 seconds, and pray to yourself. This silence let’s the other person know you have heard them and your are thinking about what they said. Pray silently for wisdom and words to respond.
- Respond calmly – If they are yelling, don’t match their volume. Speak in a normal speaking voice and maintain a calm demeanor. Body language and tone are critical in coming to a solution rather than a blow-out argument.
Then, with this in mind, next time you see a Police officer give them a friendly smile and hello. Perhaps even say, “thank you” for how they serve the public. Although there are some officers that don’t emulate this, if we all approach confrontation like my Captain advises, our city and our home will be a more loving and Christ-like place.
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Todd