Beware of the Dog by John Angel James From Christian Fellowship Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians chapter 4 verse 2

There are some people whose feelings are like dry straw, kindled into a blaze in a moment by the least spark which has been purposely or accidentally thrown upon it. A word or a look is in some cases quite enough to be considered a very serious injury. It is a common thing for such people to excuse themselves on the ground that their feelings are so delicate that they are offended by the least touch. This is a humiliating confession, for it is acknowledging that instead of being like the oak of the forest which laughs at the tempest and is unmoved by the tread of the wild boar, they resemble the sensitive plant. A little squeamish shrub which trembles before the breeze and shrivels and contracts beneath the pressure of a tiny insect.

Delicate feelings? In plain English this means that they are petulant, irritable and peevish. I would like to have a sign hung around the neck of such people, and it would be this. Beware of the dog.

We should never allow ourselves to be offended. In fact, most of the time the offense is not even intended. Had we but patience to wait, or humility to inquire, we would find that many hurtful things were done by mistake, which we are prone to attribute to intentional design. How often do we violate that love which thinks no evil and which imperatively demands of us to attribute a good motive to another's conduct until a bad motive is proved?

Let us then deliberately determine that, by God's grace, we will not be easily offended. If such a resolution were generally made and kept, offenses would cease Let us first ascertain whether offence was intended before we allow the least emotion of anger to be indulged. And even then, when we have proved that the offence was committed on purpose, let us next ask ourselves whether it is necessary to notice it. What wise man will think it worthwhile when an insect has stung him to pursue it all day in order to punish the aggressor?

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians chapter 3 verses 12 through 14