MAY 28, 1 John 3:15

Abby woke up in a terrible mood. She had a report to write at school, and she wasn’t well prepared. “Oh, no,” she groaned as she looked out the window. “It’s pouring rain! My hair will get all kinky and fuzzy!”

As Abby headed for the bathroom, she and her little brother reached the door at the same time. “Get out of the way!” ordered Abby, grabbing his arm and giving him a shove.

“Ouch!” cried Marc as Abby pushed him out of the way and went into the bathroom. Marc went to find his mother. “Mom, Abby hurt me! She pushed me against the wall!” he complained.

When Abby came out of the bathroom, Mom was waiting. “I’m ready to hear an explanation from you, young lady,” said Mom sternly. “What did Marc do to deserve this?” She showed Abby the long scrape on Marc’s arm.

“He got in my way, that’s what!” exclaimed Abby. “I’ve tried to tell the fool that I should always be in the bathroom first, but he won’t listen to me! Marc knows it takes longer for me to get ready to leave than it does for him. Dad always says ‘Ladies first’ anyway.”

“Abby, I’m ashamed of your behaviour,” scolded Mom. She frowned. “You know,” she added, “you may not think that being angry for no good reason, or hating someone, or calling somebody a fool is so bad, but Jesus compared that to murder. It’s very wrong.”

Abby looked shocked.

Mom continued, “Getting angry for no good reason and bearing grudges are both dangerous because they can lead to hatred and hating someone is sin for 1 John 3:15 teaches us that it is like committing murder!”

Abby definitely didn’t want to be a murderer! “Oh dear! I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean it.”

Mom nodded. “All right,” she said, “but the next time when you feel angry, remember that it can be a serious thing.”

Thought: Remember what the Bible says about anger, hatred and name calling!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s reminder. I know that sometimes I can be unreasonable and get angry for no right reason. I pray You would forgive me. Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to control myself. I never knew hating someone can be so serious. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.