Temper Bumper

Bible Reading: Proverbs 15:1-4

Loud, angry words were flying back and forth between Celina and her brother when the doorbell rang. When Celina went to answer it, Ryan stomped off to his room.

“Oh, hi, Mrs. Perry,” said Celina when she opened the door and found her neighbor there. “Come on in.” Celina realized that Mrs. Perry had probably heard their loud voices. “I was kind of tied up in a, um, family discussion,” Celina began. She sighed. “Actually, it was a fight with my brother.”

“I know—I couldn’t help overhearing,” said Mrs. Perry as she set an empty casserole dish on the table. “I’m just returning this to your mother.”

“I don’t know why Ryan and I can’t get along!” said Celina. “I don’t think either of us likes fighting, but we just seem to bug each other.”

Mrs. Perry was about to speak when they heard the sound of squealing tires followed by a loud thud. “What was that?” asked Celina.

They hurried outside to see what had happened. A car had stopped right in front of Celina’s house, and a truck following the car had bumped into it. The drivers got out and looked the vehicles over carefully. “I’m really sorry,” said the truck driver. “I didn’t realize you were stopping, and I couldn’t stop so quickly.”

The other driver smiled. “Well, I don’t see any damage. My bumper cushioned the impact.” The men talked a bit more, then shook hands and went on their way.

As Celina and Mrs. Perry walked back toward the house, Mrs. Perry said, “That man’s bumper worked like a cushion, so no damage was done. Maybe you need find your own bumper whenever Ryan annoys you.”

“My own bumper?” Celina asked. “What would that be?”

“How about what Pastor Simmons talked about last week—a gentle answer?” suggested Mrs. Perry. “When you get upset at Ryan, remember that Jesus is always kind and gentle with you, even when you do things that are wrong. If you talk to Ryan kindly and honestly instead of yelling at him, I think it will help the two of you get along. It might not be easy at first, but trust Jesus to help you.”

Celina nodded. “Okay,” she said. “I will.” Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Do you control your temper—or does it control you? It’s easy to give a sharp, hurtful reply when someone makes us angry, isn’t it? But that’s not how Jesus deals with us—He’s kind and patient with us, even when we sin. Treat others the same way by responding in a gentle way when someone upsets you. It will make a difference in your relationships and show others the love of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Today’s Key Thought:

Cushion anger with kindness