JANUARY 14, Malachi 2:1-2, Psalm 37:8

Kam Seng was uncomfortable at last Sunday’s JW lesson as the message by Mrs. Tan was just spot-on for him. What was the message? It was on anger: how we need to control anger, or anger will control us. Three days ago he was in the MRT train with his younger sister Mei and Mum. Mei has always been an active child, and her family was pretty much used to her behaviour. That fateful day, Mei was her usual energetic self on the MRT. However, Kam Seng was in a bad mood. Earlier that day in school, he had been scolded by his teacher for not bringing his textbook and also had been caught chatting. As punishment, he was asked to stand and face the wall for a while, and that was the last thing he wanted. He disliked being scolded publicly and felt a loss of face.

During the train ride, as he was reading a book his sister suddenly snatched it away. Was the sister right in doing so? Of course not. But what Kam Seng did next was far from right, too – he shouted at her! Mum was shocked, and so was Mei. She cried quietly and moved away from her brother, refusing to look at him or in his direction for the rest of journey. Mum was wise, and softly but firmly told Kam Seng that though what his sister had done was wrong, what he did was also wrong. Although it was actually a short MRT ride, for all three, it seemed like one of the longest rides they ever had. The uncomfortable silence was broken only by MRT announcements, and the occasional cries of a baby a few seats away. Upon reaching home, both children were called to Mum’s room where they were told of their wrong-doings. They were made to apologise to each other. After that, Mum, as usual, would pray together with them and asked the Lord to watch over her precious children, and their temper.

Dear child, do you get angry easily? Do you get irritated by someone at home or school often? Before you jump to think about how “terrible” this person may be, look at yourself. Think of others better than yourself, humble yourself, and control your temper, before it gets the better of you!

Thought: Control your anger or it will control you!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I learn how to control my anger, and how not to get angry over things that are not important. If someone irritates me, teach me to learn to commit things into Your hands, for You will help me overcome anger that is wrong. This I pray in Jesus’ name – Amen.