Today's Scripture:

John 18:10-11 (NIV)

"Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear.

(The servant's name was Malchus.)

Jesus commanded Peter,

"Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

Observartion:

Peter couldn't take it anymore.

He had watched His Lord's anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane.

He had watched the group of soldiers come to arrest Him.

So he took out his sword, took a swing, and removed the ear of the high priest's servant.

In a way, I understand Peter's frustration.

Many of us have been in the same situation.

For instance, if someone gets angry with you, you get angry back. If they raise their voice against you, you usually raise your voice back.

Then they raise their voice higher.

Then you raise your voice higher.

At the end you will end up hurting each other.

That's why, Jesus is not pleased on what Peter did because Peter is fighting the wrong enemy.

Who is the real enemy?

In this world, there is one thing that we can control to save us from heartache and conflict -- it is ourselves.

If you can control yourselves, it means you have a strength under control.

Application:

Instead of getting defensive, practice gentleness.

Let your gentle answer disarm the other person, thus diffuse the conflict.

Even when people have guarded up with pride, gentle speech will get their attention because gentleness breaks down strong defenses.

This is the mark of maturity.

Here's a verse that will surely help you someday,

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive me. You know how many times I failed You when I let pride takes over my heart. Please help me to tame my emotions so I will never hurt anyone that will result to a greater conflict. Forgive me, Lord, if there are times I judged and condemned other people. Help me to love my enemies just like how your love sees no imperfections. Thank you, Lord, for understanding my shortcomings and helping me to practice gentleness in all occassions with different people. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.