NOVEMBER 28, Romans 12:21 

Andy trudged home, a grim look on his face. He knew his mother would take one look at his clothes and know he had been in another fight. And Dad would... well, Andy didn’t know what Dad would do. “But I don’t care!” thought Andy. “Ever since Jason lied and got me in trouble, I can’t stand that guy!”

As Andy passed an empty lot, he glanced toward an old tree stump where a swarm of bees had made a hive. There were none buzzing around, and he noticed a few lying on the ground. “Dead bees! I’ve been wanting one for my insect collection,” he muttered. “Here’s my chance to get it without getting stung.” He picked up a bee and carefully put it in his pocket.

When Andy arrived home, it was just as he had expected. “Andy!” his mother exclaimed.“You’ve been in another fight! I suppose it was Jason again.” Andy’s father was already home, too, and Andy felt bad when he saw the disappointed look on his dad’s face. “Well, Jason is always mean to me,” said Andy, trying to defend his actions. “He says all kinds of hateful things!” “We’ve discussed before what Jesus says about the way we should treat those who aren’t nice to us,” said Dad. “Using our fists on them is not one of the things He wants us to do.”

“No,but I...I try not to get mad,but I just can’t help it,”mumbled Andy. He shoved his hands into his pockets. With a yelp, he jerked them out again, and a bee flew to the window. “It stung me!” Andy exclaimed. “I thought that thing was dead!” As Dad removed the stinger from Andy’s finger, he shook his head. “You know, Son,” he said, “the anger and unforgiveness you have toward Jason is something like that bee. Those feelings lie quietly in your heart and seem to be dead, but when Jason provokes you, they are up again. You need to give your hurt and anger to God.”

“I’ve tried,” said Andy. “It doesn’t seem to work.” “You can’t just say the words; you have to mean them,” said Dad. “And do what God says–do good to Jason. I think you’ll be surprised at what happens.” “Be nice to him?” Andy asked. “But he...” Andy paused. “Be nice to him,” he repeated after thinking it over. “I’ll try it. I’ll give him a... a cookie tomorrow.”

Thought: Do you have anger, envy, or selshness when someone hurts you? Give him good for evil, and forgive...

Prayer: My Father in heaven, I know it is dicult to control myself and I have to ask You to help me for I need to change to be a better Christian child, so that I will not retaliate or fight back. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.