Daily Devotional - June 20th, 2026
“And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” — Luke 22:50-51
“The strongest person is not the one who wins the battle against others, but the one who refuses to let anger win the battle within.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
Few moments in scripture reveal the difference between human impulse and divine character more clearly than the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Betrayed by a friend, surrounded by armed men, and facing the agony of the cross, the Savior stood in circumstances that would have justified outrage in the eyes of the world. Yet He did not respond with vengeance.
Peter, acting from loyalty and emotion, drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest. His intentions may have been sincere, but good intentions do not always produce wise actions. Like a driver who jerks the steering wheel in panic and creates a greater danger, Peter allowed emotion to direct his response rather than principle. In contrast, Jesus immediately stopped the violence and healed the injured man. The Savior demonstrated that true strength is not found in overpowering others but in governing oneself.
We often face our own versions of that garden moment. A harsh comment, an unfair accusation, a betrayal, or a disappointment can tempt us to strike back with words, resentment, or retaliation. Anger persuades us that immediate action is necessary. It tells us that justice requires revenge. Yet the moral law of God teaches that reacting in anger often creates wounds that wisdom would have prevented. Christ shows us a higher path. We can feel hurt without becoming hateful. We can be wronged without choosing wrongdoing. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to bring healing where anger seeks to bring harm.
Scripture:
“And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” — Luke 22:50-51
Daily Application:
Pause before responding to a frustrating situation today. Whether it is an email, a disagreement, or a moment of disrespect, ask yourself: “Am I acting like Peter, or am I acting like Christ?” Choose a response that promotes peace rather than conflict.