A Heated Argument

Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:1

Zintle’s dad poked at the fire with a stick. The flames had settled, leaving a hot glow on the coals. “Zintle, our fire is ready. Go fetch the meat from your mom in the kitchen.”

Zintle rolled her eyes. “Stepmom.” She kicked a stone on the ground. “I’m not talking to her. Send Siko.”

Dad stopped fiddling with the fire and frowned at her. “What’s going on?”

“She’s always yelling and bossing me around,” said Zintle. “No matter what I do, it’s always, ‘Zintle, do this…Zintle, do that.’ So then I get mad and yell back, and, well…”

Dad waved her closer. “I think our fire might be dying. Get me the bottle of gasoline I use for the lawnmower. That should get it going again.”

“No, Dad! I’ve watched movies. You should never use gasoline on a fire. It will explode!”

“You’re a wise young lady. How can I get it to burn brighter again safely?”

Zintle frowned at her dad. He should know these things. “You lean closer and blow really gently. That usually works.”

The grin on Dad’s face made his eyes twinkle like the African stars above them. “I think that’s how you should approach your stepmom. I know it’s been hard, living away from your mom and having someone else here. But maybe if you speak gently to her, you’ll see a different side of her.”

Zintle shook her head. “It’s too hard. I can’t do it.”

Dad blew on the fire gently. “Don’t forget that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Because you know Him, you carry His peace inside you and can show it to others. I’ll talk to your stepmom too, but remember the next time you have an argument that you can blow gently on the fire instead of blowing up. Show her the peace and love God has put in your heart by obeying her and speaking to her with kindness.”

Zintle thought it over. She’d always approached her stepmom like a porcupine with its quills sticking out—prickly, angry, defensive. No wonder they got into arguments. Things would never be the way they were before Mom left, but throwing gas on the fire wasn’t helping any of them.

“Okay, Dad,” Zintle said. “I will.” • Dianne J. Wilson

How About You?

Are you quick to snap at people if they say something that upsets you? Even when you feel hurt or angry by what they said, you don’t have to let your anger explode. If you know Jesus, He has given you His Spirit so you can show His peace and love to others, even in the middle of a heated argument. Trust Him to help you respond to others gently so they can see the warmth of His love.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Today’s Key Thought:

Live with others in peace