A Different Way to Talk

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Sam walked into the kitchen. “Hi, Mom! I’m home!”

Mom looked up from her work. “Hi, honey. Have you seen our new neighbors today?” she asked. “I saw a girl out in the yard, and she looks like she’s just about your age. You should go meet her.”

“I already did,” said Sam. “I told her my name and asked hers, but she doesn’t talk or anything.”

“Maybe she’s just a little shy,” said Mom. “It takes some people longer to adjust than others.”

Sam shook her head. “No, it’s not that. She can’t talk at all. Her mom came out and told me the girl’s name is Isobel, but she can’t say anything. She can’t hear either.”

“I see,” said Mom. “Well, maybe you can find some way to be her friend anyway—through making motions or something. What do you think?”

“Her mom told me Isobel knows sign language,” said Sam. “Do you think I could learn it too, Mom? I already learned a few words at school.”

“That’s a great idea,” Mom replied. “I’m sure you can learn more—but it will be a lot of work.”

“I know, but…” Sam paused and grinned at her mom. “I was just thinking of Rob and Kate.” Rob was Sam’s older brother. “When they first went to Africa as missionaries, they had to go to language school, remember?”

“Yes, I remember,” said Mom with a smile. “Before they could become friends with the people in their new country and share the love of Jesus with them, they first had to learn their language. Are you thinking that’s what you’d like to do with our new neighbors?”

Sam nodded. “Yeah. I’d like to make Isobel feel welcome here and be her friend, but since she can’t hear or talk, it’d be a lot easier for both of us if I learned sign language.”

“I’m sure she would be thrilled to have someone in the neighborhood to talk to and be her friend,” said Mom. “Why don’t I learn sign language along with you? Then we can practice together, and we’ll both be able to reach out to our new neighbors.”

“All right!” said Sam. “Let’s start right now!” -Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Are you willing to go out of your way to be a friend to someone and share God’s love with them? That’s the kind of love Jesus showed us when He became human and died for our sins. Think about the people you know. What needs or interests do they have? Be willing to reach out to others where they are so you can be a blessing to them.

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:22 I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Go out of your way for others