AUGUST 10, 1 Peter 3:9

Gabriel and John are brothers. Being the older brother, Gabriel leads by example and will give in to John. However, John is not easy to get along with. Not only is John selfish, he likes to make up stories about others.

One evening while mum is in the kitchen preparing dinner, 11-year old John shouts loudly from the bedroom in a distinctive “informer” sing song voice saying, “Mommmeeee, Gabriel said ‘SHUT UP’ to meeeee...!” In a calm manner, Gabriel strides into the kitchen where their mother is and says, “Mum, it was John who started it. He first took my things without permission, broke my electronic calculator without informing me, and then looked at my SMSes. And when I tried to reason with him, he said that since I am named after an archangel of the New Testament, I should forgive him. I did not say ‘shut up’, I told him to stop the nonsense.”

Mum gently says, “Gabriel, I am pleased with you, showing understanding towards your brother despite his actions. You are really an angel! I know John likes to make up stories and has done those things. Will you forgive him?” Gabriel replies with a smile, “I forgive John.” In fact, he has been praying that God will help him to have patience and longsuffering when conflicts with John arise.

John overhears Gabriel’s conversation with mum when he is about to enter the kitchen. His heart is pricked and is ashamed of himself and confesses his sin.

Today’s reading describes how to behave towards enemies. 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter. At that time Christians were hated and badly treated by all men for Christ’s sake, many were even martyred, so Peter warned them not to return evil for evil. Taking revenge is an unchristian practice. Dear child, the guiding principle is that when you are offended by anyone, you do not bear any grudge and take revenge. Be like Gabriel. Be an angel. You will ‘inherit a blessing’ as promised by God.

Thought: Do not repay evil with evil.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that when there is conflict, I should not blow my top, and instead should look to You for help and guidance to react kindly to people though they are wrong. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.