FRIDAY 9th DECEMBER 1983

WHEN SOMEONE "SNAPS" AT YOU

Reading:  Ephesians 4:23-32    English - Katty Chinese - Cindy

Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil.

If anyone is stealing he must stop it and begin using those hands of his for honest work so he can give to others in need. Don't use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing. Don't cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who marks you to be present on that day when salvation from sin will be complete. Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.

COMMENTARY - Barbara

One of Britain's outstanding Parliament members had been unfairly insulted by his critics.  Noticing that he was quite depressed, a colleague tried to encourage him.  He reminded him that the Lord told His disciples to bless those who spoke evil of them and unjustly condemned them.  The friend offered further counsel by telling him of an incident that had given him a new insight into the matter of unprovoked attacks.  He explained that he had accidentally injured a dog.  When he tried to administer first aid, the animal turned on him and bit his arm.  The man did not become angry, though, for he knew that the attack had come because the dog was in great pain.  Looking at his fellow Member of Parliament, the friend said, "I think we need to remember that many people in the world today have been deeply hurt by cruel and unpleasant circumstances.  This often accounts for the way they treat others.  Suffering both in mind and spirit, they strike out unfairly to relieve their own tensions.  If we are doing God's will, however, we can accept these assaults  graciously, realizing chat they often come from 'injured people.  The Lord will bless you, brother, if you forgive those who have caused you this undeserved heartache."  Encouraged by his friend,, the public servant forgave his critics.

When someone "snaps" at you, he may be suffering inwardly. In spite of the hurt it causes you, be sure to "keep your cool".  Follow the example of Christ "who, when He was reviled, reviled not again"(1 Peter 2:23).

NEWS

PRAYER (say together)

Heavenly Father, if someone snaps at me , Lord, teach me what to say, help me to love my enemies and pray for them.
In Jesus' Name we pray. A-men