September 22
Choosing Kindness
Over Conflict
"Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done."
Ephesians 4:32 (NIrV)
Charlie’s jaw was tight as he stood in Anna’s doorway, his hands clenched into fists. “She was up way too late last night,” Anna snapped, arms crossed. “She needs structure, Charlie, not weekends full of fun and no discipline.”
Charlie rolled his eyes. “Oh, so now I’m a bad parent because I let her watch a movie? Maybe if you weren’t so controlling—”
“I hate you both!”
The words cut through the tension like a knife. Jasmine, their eight-year-old daughter, stood at the bottom of the stairs, her face red and tear-streaked. “Stop arguing!” she screamed, her little fists shaking. “I don’t wanna be with either of you if you’re just gonna fight!”
The room fell into silence. Anna’s shoulders dropped, and Charlie exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. Jasmine turned and ran upstairs, slamming her bedroom door.
Anna swallowed hard, glancing at Charlie. “We’re hurting her,” she whispered.
Charlie sighed and nodded. He felt the weight of guilt settle on his chest. He had been so caught up in proving his point, in defending himself, that he hadn’t seen what their fighting was doing to Jasmine.
Anna sat down on the couch, her hands covering her face. “I don’t want to keep doing this, Charlie.”
Neither did he. He looked at the woman he had once loved, the mother of his child, and he knew they had to find a different way. “I’m sorry,” he said, the words foreign on his tongue but necessary. “I know you’re a good mom. I just—I feel like I’m failing, and I take it out on you.”
Anna nodded slowly. “I’m sorry too. I know you love her. I just get scared that if I don’t control everything, it’ll fall apart.”
Charlie took a deep breath. “Maybe we can figure this out together. For Jasmine.”
Later that night, as he lay in bed, Charlie whispered a prayer. “God, I’ve been holding onto so much anger. Help me let go. Help me be kind, even when it’s hard. And please, heal Jasmine’s little heart.”
The next time they saw Jasmine, they apologized. They promised to do better. And though it wouldn’t be perfect, that moment—the choice to be kind, to forgive—was a step toward healing.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for Your unending kindness and forgiveness.
Help us to show that same love to others, especially when it’s hard.
Soften our hearts when anger tries to take over.
Give us the wisdom to choose peace over pride.
And Lord, please heal the hearts of children caught in the middle of brokenness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
