FEBRUARY 1, Romans 12:18

Tom reached for the cereal box just as his younger brother picked it up. “Hey, I was going to take that,” yelled Tom, grabbing the box. “Give it here!” “No way!” retorted Billy, trying to pull it back. “I had it first.”

The box flipped out of their hands, and cereal flew in all directions. “Now see what you have done!” they accused each other.

Dad looked stern. “Quiet!” he ordered. “I don’t want to hear another word from either of you right now. You will both clean up this mess, and then we’ll talk about it.” The boys glared at each other as they got to work.

Dad shook his head and said. “The Bible teaches us to put others first, so the best way to make peace is by changing yourself, not the other person. Tom, how could you have prevented the fight over the cereal box?”

“I… I suppose I could have let go and let Billy pour his cereal first,” admitted Tom reluctantly.

“Yeah! After all, I…,” Billy stopped when he glanced at his father. He could see that Dad did not like what he was hearing. “I mean . . . maybe we could take turns being the first to do things,” added Billy. “Like… since we usually come down for breakfast at the same time, Tom could pour his cereal first one day, and I could do likewise the next day.”

“Excellent peacekeeping plan,” approved Dad.

Billy looked at the box of cereal standing on the table. “You can go first today,” he told his brother. “That’s better,” said Mom. “Now . . . will you remember who goes first tomorrow, or must you write it down?”

“Instead of writing it down,” said Dad, “how about each of you letting the other go first when you can’t remember or if you disagree?” Solemnly, the boys nodded.

Thought: Do you have frequent fights with your brother or sister or friends? There will be disagreements, but you can disagree in a pleasant way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for I can be difficult at times. Help me to be willing to share and take turns. Help me not to be greedy but to avoid conflict and live in peace with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.