But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. Luke 6:27 WEB

The stoplight changed to green and we started to make a right hand turn when suddenly an out-of-state black SUV made a sweeping u-turn in front of us, crossed all three lanes and almost hit us. Then they stuck their arm out of the window and gave us 'The finger.' I began to have very strong feelings about this and all kinds of crazy thoughts raced through my mind. At that moment, I would have taken great pleasure in breaking their finger off and sticking it somewhere in them' but we drove passed them and let it go.

External things should not affect us that way. When they do, we are merely a puppet with strings that people can pull to cause a reaction. They can control your actions by simply pulling the right string. We are to treat others like we would like to be treated, and let that junk inside of us that rises up, die a slow and painful death. When it comes to the surface and we take no action, it will eventually leave. James 4:7 reads 'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.'

Don't be anyone's puppet today. Do not let them pull your strings. Keep control of your emotions and resist the temptation to make a fool of yourself. As you submit yourself to God, these tests will certainly come. When we resist it, those things inside of us that want to scream will eventually leave. After enough resisting, the strings will finally be cut and you will no longer be controlled like a puppet.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please set a guard over my mouth and let me be aware of the words that I am about to speak. Give me the grace to smile and shrug off spiteful comments. Help me reflect Your personality to the world, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.