NOVEMBER 23, Ephesians 4:26, 27

“You know what Kok Leong did?” grumbled Tom as he came into the kitchen. “He pushed me and made me fall right onto the pavement. I got all scratched up. I’ll get even with him...”

Mom sympathised when she saw his scratches, but said, “I can understand why you’re angry, but remember that the Bible says we need to be very careful of our actions, especially when we’re mad at someone. Even when you’re angry, be sure to behave the way God would want you to.”

The next day, Tom headed out to play football at his friend Kevin’s house. “Have fun,” called out Mom, “but if Kok Leong is there, too, make sure you don’t do anything that you might regret later.”

Mom was making dinner when Tom returned home.

“I fell at Kevin’s house – but Kok Leong had it even worse.” He grinned as he thought about it. “I didn’t do it,” he said hastily when he saw the frown on his mother’s face. “Kok Leong just tripped when he was running after the ball. I offered to help him get up but he wouldn’t even talk to me. He’s so rude!”

“Maybe Kok Leong doesn’t know any better,” said Mom, “but you do.” She gave Tom a hug. “You know what God says about loving others, even enemies. I’m proud of you for being kind to Kok Leong even though you’re still angry at him.” “Well, I tried, but...you can’t always be nice to everyone,” protested Tom.

“If your heart is set to please God, you can,” insisted Mom. “It’s like roses and a pile of garbage. What would happen if you fell into a pile of garbage?”

“I guess I would smell like a skunk,” Tom replied, puzzled. Mom nodded. “Yes, because that’s the odour that is deep down in the rubbish. It’s quite different from the scent roses give off.”

“I never smelled like a rose!” protested Tom. “No, but roses do give off a sweet scent because that’s what they are deep down and God made them that way,” said Mom with a smile. “You may have good reason to be angry sometimes, but God’s love, deep down inside of you, should still be obvious. Today it was.”

Thought: What thought ‘comes out’ when you were knocked down or laughed at? Is it a desire to get even, or is it God’s love?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me when I am angry, and to sin not. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.