A Heavy Weight

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:26, 31-32

Olivia waited eagerly for her cousin Meg to arrive with her new baby. “They’re here!” she yelled as she looked out the window.

After they had all admired the baby, Mom turned to Olivia. “Why don’t you run next door and invite Ava to come over? I remember hearing her say she wants to see the baby too.”

Olivia shook her head. “Ava and I aren’t friends anymore. At school yesterday, she pointed at my sweater and said it looked like I was wearing a throw rug. The other kids all laughed. I was totally embarrassed!”

“I’m sorry,” said Mom. “That wasn’t a very nice thing for her to say.”

“Well, we’re done,” said Olivia. “I’m so mad at her!” She quickly decided to change the subject. “Are we going to have lunch soon?” she asked. “I’m hungry.”

“Me too,” said Meg. “Want to hold Tommy while your mom and I fix lunch?”

Olivia eagerly took the baby. She cuddled and rocked him while lunch was being prepared. When he fell asleep, Olivia handed him to Mom. “It was fun to hold him, but He’s getting really heavy now.”

Mom laughed. “You mean he gained weight since he got here?”

Olivia grinned. “You know what I mean. My arms are getting tired, so he feels heavier.”

“Hmm,” murmured Mom. “At first, holding Tommy didn’t bother your arms at all, did it?”

“No,” said Olivia. “At first he felt really light.”

“That reminds me of your problem with Ava, because anger and bitterness work like that,” Mom said. “It may seem normal to be angry at someone who’s hurt you, but after carrying anger and bitterness around for a while, it starts to get very heavy. Jesus tells us to hand over our anger and bitterness to Him so He can replace those feelings with His love and forgiveness.” Mom looked at Olivia as she rocked Tommy in her arms. “I know what Ava said was hurtful, but don’t let your anger destroy your friendship. Tell her how you feel, and be willing to forgive her.”

Olivia looked at the sleeping baby, then at her mom. “Okay. After lunch, I’ll go talk to Ava and see if she wants to come meet Tommy.” -Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Have you ever felt the heaviness of anger and bitterness in your heart? Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, anger and unforgiveness hurts. It weighs on both you and the person you’re angry at. Jesus died for our sins and rose again so we could know His love and forgiveness and show it to others. Give your anger and bitterness to Him. Then trust Him to help you forgive those who have hurt you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t hang on to anger