INTRODUCTION

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

• (For children): Jesus’ enemies took pleasure in His suffering (Mark 15:15And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
  See All...). King Herod had James killed, and because that pleased the Jews, he took Peter also (Acts 12:1-7 [1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. [2] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. [3] And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) [4] And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. [5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. [6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. [7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
  See All...). God is definitely against taking pleasure in the suffering of others (Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
  See All...b).
• (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?
• 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 NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to keep you from hurting others.
• Ask God to show you the nature of your heart.

HYMN

HIS WAY WITH THEE

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