AUGUST 21. Galatians 5:22,23

‘A gentle spirit is a cure-all.’ What does this mean? A man called John told a story about himself. When he was a boy about ten years old, his father who was a senior officer in the army used to tell him that if someone teased or bullied him, he must fight him to teach him a lesson. Children, do you think in this way, or have you been told this?

John was sent to a famous school and befriended a good student called Tom. Tom was good at playing baseball and so they both got along very well. However, John would skip classes despite Tom telling him not to. One day, another boy came to tell John that Tom had reported his bad conduct to the teachers. John was so furious with Tom and after school he went to Tom’s home.

“Did you tell the teachers about me?” shouted John.

“You may hit me but I want you to know that I won’t fight back,” said Tom firmly. Tom was so firm and yet so mild! Surprisingly, John did not fight but felt ashamed of himself. From that day onwards, he had more respect for Tom. A lot more.

Fighting is not the way to solve problems. Children, very often when you are angry with someone, you may think of doing something to that person. That could include fighting or doing something nasty. You may want to kick, punch or even bite him. Even if you don’t, you will shout or scream. Is this the right behaviour? The right way for a Christian child is to pray, cool down, and then talk it out.

T
he Bible tells us our Lord Jesus was very gentle with the people when they wrongly accused Him. He neither retaliated nor fought. The prophet Isaiah describes Jesus in this way: ‘He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth’ (Isaiah 53:7). So remember, ‘a gentle spirit is a cure-all’!

Thought: Memorise Galatians 5:22, 23.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I retaliated against people who made me angry. Help me to be a good Christian. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.