When my children were small, I often delighted in watching how they would discipline their friends for some real or imagined wrong. "Shame on you," they would say, shaking their little fists, "how could you do such a thing?"

Then one day, watching yet another "shame on you" scene, the Holy Spirit quickened to my mind how often I've been tempted to shake my fist at someone I've known who has done something wrong.

Have you ever wanted to do that? Do you find yourself, even tonight, wanting to shake your fist at a boss or a spouse, because of some real or imagined sin in their life?

If you do, then consider this scripture which has helped me through some rather trying moments: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1, NIV).

"Restore him gently..." are the words that ring the loudest in my ears. So often, when I've wanted to rebuke a child or correct a staff member, the Lord has shown me how to discipline...in His gentle love.

Tonight, release all the "shame on you" situations in your life to God - and let Him minister sleep to you through His gentle love.

Heavenly Father, thank you that You always restore me gently when I fall into sin. Grant me Your wisdom to minister to others in the same love. Lord, as I submit to being used as Your vessel for guidance in the lives of others, grant me Your love and understanding in my own personal life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.