Volcanic Anger

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:26

The baseball blasted off Rob’s bat like a rocket.

“Nice shot,” Buddy said.

The ball crashed through the upstairs window of the Cooleys’ house. Mrs. Cooley screamed, and a man’s shouts filled the air.

Rob dropped his bat. “We’re dead. Let’s get out of here.”

Buddy nodded. “If we’re gonna run, it’s now or never.”

Mr. Cooley appeared from inside the broken window. “Stay right there, Buddy!” he yelled. “I’m coming down. You’re gonna pay for this!”

Buddy froze. “How does he know my name?” he asked Rob.

The boys moved closer together as Mr. Cooley stepped into the yard and stomped toward them.

“Guess you won’t have to wash the window today, dear,” Mrs. Cooley called.

Mr. Cooley stopped—and smiled. “She’s been wanting me to clean that thing all day. You two may have done me a favor.”

Rob looked at Mr. Cooley nervously. “We’ll pay for the damages,” he said.

Mr. Cooley smiled. “I really erupted like Mount St. Helens, didn’t I?”

Buddy scratched his head. “Who’s St. Helen? Your wife?”

Mr. Cooley laughed. “No. Not my wife. Mount St. Helens was a volcano in Washington State that blew its top in 1980. It was one of the largest natural disasters in US history.” He sighed. “Sorry, boys. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. It was wrong.”

“You’re saying sorry—to us?” Buddy asked. “But we busted your window!”

“And I overreacted,” Mr. Cooley said. “The Bible has a lot to say about anger. While it’s okay to feel angry, we shouldn’t let our anger cause us to sin and keep us from showing others God’s love.” He smiled at the boys. “It’s clear I’m still learning lessons about controling my anger.”

Buddy smiled back. “That’s okay.”

“And you boys need to learn some lessons too,” Mr. Cooley said. “Like not to play baseball too close to houses.” Mr. Cooley held up the ball and pointed to Buddy’s name written on it. “And to never write your name on a ball if you’re going to send it through a window.” He winked. “There are too many hotheads living around here!” – Matt Shoemaker

How About You?

Do you have trouble controlling your anger? Does your temper erupt like a volcano? It’s natural to get angry, but letting anger lead to hurtful and unkind words does a lot of damage and keeps you from showing others God’s love. When you feel like you’re about to blow your top, stop and remember how much Jesus loves you. Then trust Him to help you love others the way He does.

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

Today’s Key Thought:

Control anger