Why So Snappy?

Why So Snappy?

(Read 1 Peter 3:8-12)

Erin slammed the door behind her. “Oh, that Trina is so hateful!” A tear slipped down her cheek.

Mother looked surprised. “I thought Trina was your best friend,” she said.

“She used to be,” choked Erin, “but lately she’s so touchy. Nothing I do pleases her.”

“That’s too bad,” sympathized Mother, “but try to be patient with her. She hasn’t been a Christian very long.”

“I know, but I’m getting sick of it.” Erin sighed. “I haven’t done anything about it yet, but if she doesn’t stop snapping at me, I’m going to . . .” The squeal of tires and the loud yipping of a dog sent Erin and her mother running out to the yard. “Oh, Mother! It’s Buffy. Someone left the gate open, and he got into the street!” Erin ran to the curb where a young man was bending over the puppy.

“I’m so sorry,” he told them. “The dog just ran right out in front of me.”

Mother knelt beside the whimpering puppy. As she started to touch him, Buffy snapped at her hand. “It’s OK, Buffy. You’re going to be all right,” she said softly. Once more she reached for him, and again Buffy snapped. “Erin, can you hold his jaws shut?” asked Mother. “I want to see how badly he’s hurt before we move him.”

Several hours later, they returned from the vet with a stiff and sore puppy. “I’m so thankful Buffy wasn’t killed,” Erin told her father, who had arrived home from work. “But he sure is snappy.”

“That’s because he’s hurting,” Dad told her. He looked up over the top of his newspaper. “Say, do you know the names of Trina’s parents? Aren’t they Phillip and Lisa?”

“Yes,” Erin replied. “Why?”

“Because they are getting a divorce,” replied Dad. “Did you know that, Erin?”

“Oh no!” Erin took a deep breath. “Oh, poor Trina! No wonder she’s been so snappy lately. She’s hurting! I’m so glad I didn’t snap back at her.” BJW

HOW ABOUT YOU?

When someone snaps at you, do you snap back? Or do you stop to consider why he or she might be acting that way? Before you snap back, ask yourself, “Is she hurting?” If so, she needs your love and kindness to ease the pain. She needs your patience and your prayers.

Help Those Who Hurt

MEMORIZE:

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9, NIV