Some people are good at popping the balloon of those who are feeling the excitement of a new experience. And their negative spirit tends to discourage others.

A new convert was excited about an answer to prayer. “I had a flat tire and couldn’t make my jack work,” he told his pastor. “I prayed that someone would stop to help me, and within a minute a man came along and had me on my way in no time.” The pastor replied, “Now, don’t get too excited. He might have stopped even if you had not prayed!”

Jesus’ disciples were excited. They had talked with the risen Lord and were filled with joy and confidence. But Thomas, who wasn’t with them on that first Easter evening, was skeptical. He said, “Unless I see . . . , I will not believe” (Jn. 20:25). Yes, it was astounding news. Yet Thomas could have responded positively if he had recalled what Jesus had promised. He might have said, “I’m having a hard time believing you, but I can see how excited you are, and I really want to see Jesus myself.” Instead, he blurted out his unbelief, and I can’t help but feel that this dampened the joy of the other disciples.

Lord, help us to respond to people with words that are kind and sensitive—even when we have doubts.

  — Herbert Vander Lugt