Daily Devotional for August 14, 2019
Salt or Pepper
When his dad picked him up after school, Logan tossed his backpack on the car seat. “I can’t believe what happened today,” he said. “I got in trouble for something I didn’t even do.”
“How did that happen?” asked Dad.
“Preston started an argument,” replied Logan, “and he shoved me against my locker. I was so mad! I shoved him back. We were yelling at each other when our teacher walked up. He didn’t let either of us play in gym today. It wasn’t my fault—Preston started it.”
“I see,” said Dad. “Well, your teacher must have figured you both shared the blame since you were both fighting.”
“But, Dad, Mr. Baxter didn’t even—” As Logan spoke, a car pulled out of a driveway, right into their lane. “Dad! Watch out!”
Dad stepped on the brakes. “Thanks for protecting us, Lord,” he said quietly. “And thanks, Logan, for warning me so quickly.”
“That guy almost rammed into us!” exclaimed Logan. “Honk at him!’’ Dad didn’t answer, so as they changed lanes and passed the other car, Logan yelled, “You creep! You almost hit us!”
“Calm down, Logan,” said Dad. “You need to learn to control your temper.”
At dinner that evening, Logan and his dad talked about it some more. “I still think you should have honked at him, Dad.” Logan reached for the salt shaker and began to sprinkle his potatoes. “Whoa!” he said. “This is pepper, not salt!”
“There’s quite a difference between them, isn’t there? I’m reminded that Jesus said Christians are the salt of the world—not hot pepper,” said Dad. “Which are you being when you get angry and yell at drivers—or shove kids?”
“Um . . . hot pepper, I guess,” Logan admitted.
“A lot of accidents happen because of road rage, and a lot of friendships are damaged because of quick tempers,” said Dad. “That’s not the way to show others God’s love. He isn’t quick-tempered with us when we sin. He is patient and kind with us, and that’s how we should treat others, even when they do something that makes us angry. Instead of lashing out, look to Him to help you stay calm so you can peacefully work things out.” Janice M. Jones
How about you?
Are you quick to respond in anger when you get upset? Do you yell at people or call them names? It’s okay to feel angry, but it’s important to control your actions when you feel that way. Because Jesus took the punishment for our sin, God is slow to anger and shows us kindness and forgiveness when we do things that are wrong. Trust Him to help you control your anger and show others His love.
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