Caught in the Web

Bible Reading: EPHESIANS 4:29-32

Darien scowled at his tablet screen. 2Cool4U was the worst. He had been playing a game online where they could chat with the other people involved, but this player was mean. Darien gritted his teeth at the rude remark that appeared on his screen.

“Darien! Technology time is up!” Dad called from the next room. Darien typed a less than kind message back before signing off.

In the weeks that followed, 2Cool4U’s messages made Darien more and more upset. His anger erupted like a volcano one day when his sister accidentally ruined his connecting block creation.

Dad entered the room with a frown. “Darien, we need to talk.” Darien suppressed the urge to roll his eyes as he flopped on the couch next to his dad. “What’s going on, son? You’ve been quick to get angry these past few weeks. Is something bothering you?”

Before Darien could stop himself, the truth flowed out. “That game I’ve been playing…there’s a player on there who won’t stop saying mean things! I should have told you, but instead I decided to get back at him, and I said some pretty mean things. Now I feel sick to my stomach every time I look at my tablet.” Darien hung his head.

Dad put his hand on Darien’s shoulder. “I’m glad you finally told me, Darien. This is serious stuff. The Bible says words have the power of life and death. It’s not right to attack someone with words—whether it’s in person or on the internet. Once you start arguing and attacking, you’re like a fly that gets caught in a web. The more you try to fight your way out, the more stuck you become.”

“So how do I get unstuck?” asked Darien.

“Well, first you need to tell Jesus about the unkind things you said and ask Him to forgive you. Then I think you should apologize to the person you said those things to.”

“But what if he keeps saying mean things to me?” Darien asked.

“Then you need to let me know so we can decide if we need to block or report him,” Dad said. “But don’t say mean things to him in return. Break out of the trap by showing him the love and forgiveness of Jesus.” SAVANNAH COLEMAN

How About You?

Do you respond with anger and mean words when someone says something that upsets you? That can quickly become a web you don’t want to get caught in. Instead, remember you belong to Jesus and trust Him to help you respond the way He would. He will help you break free from the web of anger and bitterness and respond in a loving way instead.

Today’s Key Verse:
PROVERBS 15:1 A GENTLE ANSWER DEFLECTS ANGER, BUT HARSH WORDS MAKE TEMPERS FLARE. IN TRUTH. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus offers freedom from sinful traps