Day 297: Spiritual Road-Rage

Today’s Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:22-26

Central Thought: Christians should demonstrate kindness to everyone.

Some statistics show that 80 percent of drivers are angry some or all of the time they are behind the wheel. Most of these drivers find themselves angry at the slower speeds they are forced to drive while in heavy traffic. Adding to this problem is the ever-increasingly busy schedules in the lives of many people. It is not surprising that we have seen an increase in violence and rude behavior from drivers.

Today’s reading shows us a very different way to live, the way of life God desires for all of His followers. God’s servants must avoid ‘foolish and stupid arguments” (verse 23, NIV) and must not be quarrelsome. Rather we must demonstrate kindness and gentleness, especially to those who are not believers. As a result, some of the non-believers we encounter may find the answers they need in Christ.

Practicing kindness to everyone takes work. We must set aside our own interests so that we may focus on the needs of others. When we encounter difficult people (or difficult drivers) we must remember to react as a Christian and not with spiritual ‘road rage.” Take time today to practice kindness to everyone.

Devotional Prayer: Lord, I ask You to remove all of the unrighteous anger from my life.

Today’s Bible Reading: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8