A Good Friend

Bible Reading: Romans 15:1-2; Galatians 6:1-3

Wyatt threw his notebook against the wall of his friend’s room. “It’s no use, Isaiah! I’m never going to get this.”

Isaiah set his own book down. “Calm down, Wyatt. Let’s go over it again.”

“No! I’m done. You’ve been trying to help me for weeks, but I don’t do any better. I’m gonna fail. I don’t understand math, and I really don’t care anymore.” Wyatt picked up his books and headed home.

When tests were handed back later that week, Isaiah saw Wyatt glance at his grade, then angrily stuff the paper into his bag. “Hey, how’d you do?” Isaiah asked when the dismissal bell rang.

“I passed,” Wyatt said and walked away.

“Hey, that’s great!” Isaiah followed him. “Uh…is something wrong?”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Wyatt muttered. “I passed, okay? Leave me alone!”

Isaiah stared at his friend, feeling confused. He got more confused the next day when Wyatt didn’t speak to him—or hardly anyone else.

After school, Isaiah grabbed Wyatt by the arm. “Okay, enough! We’re best friends. Tell me what’s bothering you. Maybe I can help.”

Wyatt look at the ground and mumbled, “I…I cheated.”

“What?” said Isaiah.

“On the test. I cheated. Miles said he’d make sure I could see his answers if I gave him ten dollars, so I did. But now I feel awful! What should I do?”

Isaiah thought about the best way to help his friend. “Wyatt, you need to tell your parents and Mrs. Peters.” Wyatt groaned. “I know it won’t be easy, but it’s the only way you’ll ever feel better,” Isaiah said. “And you should also tell Jesus about it and ask Him to forgive you. The reason you feel so bad is because you know cheating is wrong and doesn’t fit the person He’s made you to be.”

The next morning, Wyatt looked like his old self again. “Hey, guess what?” he said. “I get to go to school on Saturdays for the next four weeks!”

“And you’re happy about that?” Isaiah asked.

“Yep! And I’m grounded for two weeks. But that’s nothing compared to how bad I felt. And now I’ll get to work with the school’s math tutor.” Wyatt grinned. “Thanks for your help, Isaiah. You’re a terrible math teacher but a great friend.” (Sarah Reeves)

How About You?

Has anyone ever confessed a sin to you? How did you respond? Were you angry they’d do such a thing? Or maybe you suggested a way to cover up the misdeed. The Bible says when a Christian friend does something wrong, we should gently point them in the right direction. We need to remind them of the forgiveness they have in Jesus and encourage them to make things right.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times. A brother is born to share troubles. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be a good friend