A Bad Name

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:14-16

Ashton was quiet as she walked beside her mom at the mall. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Mom asked.

Ashton sighed. “Kids at school were saying bad things about Christians today. It’s all Paige’s fault! She claims to be a Christian, but she’s the meanest girl I know! So now the other kids think Christians are mean people who pretend they’re good—she gives all of us a bad name!”

Just then, a few women wearing different clothing turned a corner and began walking toward them. Ashton gasped and moved closer to Mom. “Uncle Jerry said people like them hate people like us,” she said in a low voice.

When the women came closer, Mom smiled at them and said hello, and they smiled back. “Well,” said Mom, “they didn’t seem to hate us.”

“Maybe not,” said Ashton.

“Uncle Jerry may be right about some people,” Mom explained, “but a lot of the time we think badly of unfamiliar groups of people just because a few of them are hateful. We should remember that those few people aren’t necessarily a good representation of their entire culture or religion—and that, even if some of them do hate us, Jesus tells us to show them who He is by loving them in return.”

“I guess you’re right,” said Ashton. “You know, that reminds me of Paige. She can be a bad representation of Christianity, and it makes other people think badly of the Christians who do what Jesus says.”

“Good point,” said Mom. “Christians have to be careful to be a good representation of Jesus Christ. We do hold His name, after all. And since so many people have never read the Bible—maybe never even heard of Jesus—we might be the only chance they have to get to know what He’s like.”

“Maybe Paige doesn’t know that,” Ashton said. “Her family only started going to church a little while ago.”

“She might need you to show her Jesus’ love and be an example of how Christians should behave,” said Mom. “Remind her what Jesus is like by treating her and everyone else the way He would, and perhaps that will help her do the same.”

Ashton nodded. “Okay,” she said. “I don’t want to give Christians a bad name.”

– Katelyn Van Kooten

How About You?

Are you a good representation of Jesus for other people? Do your actions show others what Jesus is like? It can be hard to act like Christ sometimes, but it’s important to treat others as Jesus would treat them. That way, people who don’t know Jesus can see what He’s like through you. Ask Jesus to help you show His love to others so they can know who He really is.

Today’s Key Verse: John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Treat others as Jesus would