AUGUST 23, 1 Corinthians 15:33

Fifteen-year-old Ai Mei has a brother seven years younger than her. His name is Wei Loon. Wei Loon has learnt to swear (say bad words).

One day at home, the phone rings and the call is for Wei Loon. As the conversation is going on, he got agitated and started to swear under his breath. But although it was soft, it caught Ai Mei’s attention and she was upset by his behavior. After Wei Loon slammed the receiver on the cradle, he sank into the sofa sulking.

Since their parents were not at home, Ai Mei decided to do something about her brother’s conduct. She talks to him very seriously. “God is not pleased with your swearing. You must stop doing this and ask God for forgiveness. I will tell Dad about this, Wei Loon,” says Ai Mei.

That frightened the little boy. “No! Don’t tell Dad! He’ll be so angry! Don’t tell him, please!”

Wei Loon cried so hard that the sister felt sorry for him and prayed with him. She will not let their father know and let him off this time. Wei Loon promises never to do it again.

Swearing is commonplace. You hear people on the streets swear all the time. You also hear it on the TV. Swearing is a very bad thing to do. Children, it not only displeases your parents but more importantly, it causes God to be very unhappy. Your parents will punish you when you do that, won’t they? God abhors those who swear. Be careful of what you say.

Thought: Do not join people who __________ and make friends with people who __________ (fill in the blanks with the word related to theme of today’s reading)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s lesson. Swearing is displeasing to my parents and God. I must never swear and behave badly. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.