Here are some devotionals you may find helpful.
“Dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry."—James 1:19-20
One choice we make is whether to be happy. When someone cuts you off in traffic, you can choose to become angry at that person, or you can offer a prayer for his or her safety and wellbeing.
When someone rushes in front of you in the checkout line, you can choose to get steamed up or hope the reason for the person’s action is nothing life-threatening at home.
Today, what choices will you make? Will you choose to be happy?
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“A little child shall lead them.” —Isaiah 11:6
A parent told this story: While in line at a store, my 9-year-old daughter asked for a candy bar. After saying no twice, I gave in. I paid, and as we walked away I gave it to her.
She stopped, turned around and handed it to a little boy crying in line behind us at the register. I asked her why she gave it to him and she said she heard the boy’s mom tell him they didn’t have money left for candy until she can find another job. (Source unknown)
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"If the one who hates you is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him water.”—Romans 12:20
Why on Earth would anyone want to do something nice for someone who hates them?
Ah, but if we feed them or give a drink, they may soon stop hating us and we will gain a friend. It goes contrary to popular thinking, and that is what Jesus calls us to do: think outside the box.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Lessons for Okaloosa about choices, children and enemies