Introductory Thoughts
Unsurprisingly, much of the world’s amusement seems to be driven by demeaning, mocking, or humiliating others. In other words, one man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. Samson had been a thorn in the flesh of the Philistines for quite some time, but now he was a sightless, weak prisoner. As the Philistines gathered to celebrate his capture and humiliation, they called for Samson so that they could take pleasure in his suffering. One would think that it takes a heartless people to find satisfaction in the humiliation of others, but unfortunately far too many people take pleasure in such events. Far too frequently, men receive the greatest satisfaction when others are abused for their enjoyment. This ought not so to be!
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Jesus enemies took pleasure in His suffering (Mark 15:15). King Herod had James killed, and because that pleased the Jews, he took Peter also (Acts 12:1-7). God is definitely against taking pleasure in the suffering of others (Proverbs 17:5b).
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(For everyone): How often as a child did you laugh at jokes that demeaned others? Have you continued to do the same as an adult? Why do we laugh when others are destroyed?
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Have you ever been the subject of a hurtful statement? How did it make you feel? How can that experience keep you from being guilty of doing the same to others?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to keep you from hurting others.
- Ask God to show you the nature of your heart.
Song
HIS WAY WITH THEE
