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 6:27-31 WEB.

The stoplight changed to green, and we started to make a right-hand turn at the intersection. Suddenly, an out-of-state black SUV ran the red light, made a wide U-turn in front of us, crossed all three lanes, and nearly hit us. Then they stuck their arm out of the window and showed my wife and me their finger.

I began to have very strong feelings about this. 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 left them to their fate and drove home.

External things should not affect us that way. When they do, we are merely puppets with strings that people can pull to trigger a reaction. A weakness like this gives other people control over you. They can ruin your day by simply tugging on the right string.

We should treat others as we would like to be treated and let that junk inside of us that rises up die a slow, quiet, and painful death. When bad things like that rise inside us, and we take no action, they will eventually leave us. For what you feed in your mind will grow, and what you starve will die.

Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 WEB.

Part of the reason is that the evil spirit will want to find someone they can use. For example, a spirit of anger needs someone willing to be angry. It wouldn't be happy listening to praise and worship music. It will become uncomfortable and leave, but first, it will try and get you to go with it.

We are God's hands and feet on this earth, and He works through His people. Disembodied spirits work the same way, through willing people. If you resist their temptation long enough, they will become unhappy and find someone else to bother.

Don't be played with like a puppet today. Don't let people pull your strings. Keep control of your emotions, and defy the temptation to make a fool of yourself. As you submit yourself to God, tests like this will certainly come. When we resist it, those things inside of us that want to scream will eventually leave. After enough resistance, 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 I am about to speak. Please give me the grace to smile and shrug off spiteful comments. Remove the darkness inside of me, and help me reflect Your personality to the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.