The familiar caress of Contempt entices me and today she brought friends.

"JUST RAM HIM!", Rage thunders.

"It's his fault anyway", chimes in Wrath.

"He clearly deserves it", says Contempt, her voice dripping with scorn.

A crowd forms.

"Wait, what if he's armed or dangerous... or both?", whimpers Fear.

"You don't want to damage your new car", offers Pride.

"Or be late to work", frets Worry.

"Or have to file a claim and deal with the hassle of car repairs, and a loaner, and...", whines Complacency.

Then comes another voice— a quiet voice.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."

"Pursue peace with all men and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."

The crowd dissolves like a morning mist.

"HIT HIM!", Rage roars.

"Don't let him get away with that!", tempts Wrath.

"This guy clearly needs to be taught a lesson", offers Contempt.

The other voice speaks.

"Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end."

Rage storms off.

"Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing."

Wrath stalks away in anger.

"Why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."

Contempt sulks... but lingers.

Familiar words come unbidden to my lips, "Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I observe Your testimonies. Even though princes sit and talk against me, your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors."

The Matrix moment ends.

Red Suburban Man departs.

I exit but it is the Spirit Who drives me.

Thank You, Lord.

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* Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14, Proverbs 29:11 (NIV), Psalm 37:8, Romans 14:10, Psalm 119:22-24