True Strength

Mark 15:1-5

Breanna listened with a sick feeling in her stomach as Marie taunted her. “What a goody-goody you are. You think you’re so much better than I am, now that you go to church all the time.” Marie scowled and turned her back to Breanna.

Breanna started to say something mean to Marie. She knew this wasn’t right. But Breanna wanted to hurt Marie for embarrassing her in front of their friends. She felt stupid just standing there quietly. Finally, Breanna just walked away.

That afternoon Breanna talked with her mom about the problem with Marie. “I felt so stupid,” Breanna said. “I looked like I was too dumb to think of anything to say.”

Mom nodded. “It’s hard to keep mean words back when you’re hurt or embarrassed, isn’t it?” she sympathized. After a moment she added, “I suppose Jesus felt that way when people told lies about him. He could have said mean things back, but he didn’t. And I’m proud of you for doing the same. It took a lot of strength to do that.”

Breanna thoughtfully twirled a strand of red hair around her finger. “I guess I never thought about how strong Jesus had to be to do nothing!” she said. “But, Mom, does that mean I shouldn’t ever stand up for myself?”

“Oh no, Breanna,” said Mom. “There are times when you will be angry and you will need to stand up. Being angry is not wrong. It’s how you handle your anger that is important. Now let’s think, what could you have said to Marie without being mean?”

“I could have said, ‘I don’t think I’m better than you, but I’m sorry you feel that way,’” suggested Breanna.

“That would have been a good thing to say, Breanna,” said Mom. “I think you will do fine the next time something like this happens. God will help you know what to say. And remember, it takes more strength to speak gently than to yell in anger.”

How about You?

Do you think you’re acting strong when you speak out in anger? Jesus demonstrated that true strength is shown by self-control. When someone hurts your feelings or embarrasses you, ask God to help you know how to answer. He will!

Memorize:

“God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.” Matthew 5:5