Sunday Devotional

“You kids fight like cats and dogs.

Mom used to tell us that all the time. I never really understood it until I had my own kids. I understood it better when we got Max, and my daughter got a cat.

Those two go round and round. The pitter-patter of little feet? It’s more like the growling, hissing, and tromping of sworn enemies. Up the stairs, down the stairs, through the kitchen, over the couch—they fight and chase until one of them gets exhausted, or until one of them wins.

After a particularly extended brawl, Max came trotting down the stairs, a tell-tale bit of fluff dangling from his mouth. He looked downright smug, and the cat had a little less fur. Don’t worry. The cat got her revenge one day when Max lay on the floor napping. With all the stealth and cunning cats are known for, she climbed onto the couch above Max’s head, timed her leap, and pounced! Woken from a peaceful slumber, Max yelped, jumped up, and the chase was on.

It was so funny, so ridiculous, and so. . .familiar. Instead of being the brothers and sisters Christ wants us to be, we sometimes squabble amongst ourselves over trivial things. We allow little issues to disrupt the unity of our fellowship, and we put our own wants and desires above the needs of our brethren. How it must grieve the Lord to behold our selfish attitudes, when He specifically commanded us to love and care for one another. I hope we consider His words when we’re tempted to fight…like cats and dogs.

Romans 12:9-21 (New International Version) Love 9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.