Slow Down!

Bible Reading: James 3:3-8

Abby got in the car feeling guilty. She’d just had a fight with her best friend, who had received a much higher grade on her spelling test.

“Look what I got!” Jessica had said, waving her test in the air.

“You’re just a proud showoff!” Abby had spat back. As soon as the words slipped out of her mouth, Abby felt terrible. But it was too late.

“Well, you’re just jealous!” Jessica had cried and stomped off looking hurt.

Abby’s mother, who had overhead the argument, stayed quiet as Abby had slipped into the car and closed the door. A few moments later, they neared the intersection and the light turned red. Mom didn’t seem to be slowing down for the red light, so Abby hollered, “Stop!” Mom quickly hit the brakes, and there was a thud from behind them.

“Is everything okay?” Abby asked after Mom inspected the damage.

“Yes, fortunately there was only a small scratch on the bumper, and the other car wasn’t damaged,” Mom replied.

They continued on their way, and Mom surprised Abby by saying, “You know, not slowing down for the stoplight today reminds me of what happened between you and Jessica.”

“How?” asked Abby.

“Well, when we want to say something negative or hurtful, we need to slow down and pay attention to an internal traffic light.”

“Huh?” Abby asked, puzzled.

“When you’re about to say something, think of a yellow light and slow down,” Mom explained. “Ask yourself, ‘Is what I’m going to say a kind thing to say?’ If it is—green light! If it isn’t, think some more. Is it really worth saying? Is it the truth? If not—red light! Stop and think about why you want to say that. Is it because you’re acting selfishly instead of loving that person the way Jesus loves you?”

Abby sighed. “I guess that makes sense.”

“And,” Mom continued, “if you don’t put on the brakes at stop lights, you might crash.”

Abby was quiet for a minute. “Mom, can I walk to Jessica’s house when we get home?” she asked. “I have a friendship to fix.” – Keira A. Downs

How About You?

Do you ever say things that you later regret? If someone hurts us, we often want to hurt them in return. Instead, we need to watch our words and guard our hearts. The next time you’re upset, slow down and think before you speak. Let the Holy Spirit guide the words that come out of your mouth so that they’ll encourage others and show them the love of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse: James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Today’s Key Thought:

Speak with love