Teach Me

5: The Way You Talk

    "Boys," Mr. Joseph began, interrupting both Tyler and Zack as they rearranged the home for the upcoming service. "Let us continue to prepare for our upcoming service."

     Briefly, Tyler caught Zack's eyes, noting that they were filled with anxiety. Letting out a soft sigh, Tyler tried to relax himself and mentally skim through the bible. He prayed that God would help him through this. If he failed, the whole community would know on Sunday.

     Mr. Joseph undid his belt swiftly, his eyes scanning between his two sons. He looked at Zack before uttering the first verse. "Matthew 7:1."

     Tyler remembered this one, but he kept his mouth shut. It was not his turn. Within a few seconds, Zack replied. "Do not judge so that you will not be judged."

     Making a hum of approval, Mr. Joseph directed his attention towards tyler. "Luke 6:37."

     Tyler remembered Luke's verses extremely well. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven."

     "John 12:47."

     "If anyone hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world."

     "Leviticus 19:17."

     "You must not hate your brother in your heart. You must surely reprove your fellow citizen so that you do not incur sin on account of him."

     "John 13:7."

     "Jesus replied, "You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things.""

     "Joshua 1.9."

     The name caught Tyler off guard, and he completely blanked. All he could think about was his friend. The verse was nothing to him now.

     "I–" He stuttered, his eyes searching around the room as if it would give him a clue.

     "Go on." Mr. Joseph looked at him expectantly, impatiently. Whack . Tyler flinched.

     It was no use. Tyler had no idea. "I can't," Whack . The shock almost numbed the pain. Almost. He cupped his cheek, his eyes welling up with tears.

    "You can, boy. Figure it out." He warned, and Tyler felt this heart throbbing as he shook his head. His father sent down another whip onto the hand that was pressed over his cheek. Instantly, his knuckles drew blood. Zack flinched at the sound.

   "Pa, Please—" Zack began, and he moved just in time to avoid the harsh whipping of the belt that was sent in his direction.

     "Do you want to be next?" He threatened, and the younger brother was instantly silent. "What is it, Tyler?" He pried, and Tyler tried to wrack his brain of an answer while simultaneously stilling the shake of his hands.

     "Be-be strong and courageou—" Whack . Tyler let out a soft sob as the belt hit the exact same spot on his check that his father had already aimed for.

      "That is Joshua 1.6 and 1.7, Tyler." He brought the belt down onto Tyler's hands again, causing more skin to split. His hands dripped blood onto the floor. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." So taken back by the sight of his older brother's beating, Zack stood there frozen. "You best read up tonight." He muttered, beginning to slide his belt back into the loops of his pants.