Faithful Friend

Bible Reading: Luke 10:30-35; John 15:12-13

As Carmen stepped off the school bus, she caught a glimpse of her best friend—at least, her best friend in elementary school—staring stonily out the window. Now part of the popular group, Melissa didn’t even look at Carmen. She hadn’t even seemed to notice her the whole first week of middle school.

Inside, Carmen slipped off her backpack and slumped on the couch. She stared around at her house, then at her shoes, still scuffed from last year. If only I had a new wardrobe and lived in one of those big houses in the subdivision like the other kids, she thought.

Just then, the sound of gravel crunching announced that Mom had pulled in. Carmen headed outside to help get Dad out of the van.

As she pushed his wheelchair up the ramp, Carmen looked back at her tired mother, her arms loaded with groceries. Carmen’s throat tightened as she realized how loyal her mother was, choosing to care for a husband who’d never walk or talk again. If only Melissa were as faithful to her friends, she thought.

As they dried dishes that night, Carmen told Mom about her first week back at school. “How’s Melissa?” Mom asked. “I haven’t heard anything about her yet.”

Carmen’s face fell. “Melissa doesn’t talk to me anymore.”

Mom studied her. “What happened?”

“Nothing. I don’t know. She hasn’t spoken to me once since school started. She walks past me with her friends like I’m a stranger.”

Mom placed a mug in the cupboard. “I’m so sorry, honey.”

Carmen lowered her voice so Dad wouldn’t hear. “I keep wishing Melissa were as good a person as you are, Mom. You stayed with Dad after the accident, and you’ve never once complained.”

Mom’s eyes grew moist. “I haven’t always been so loyal, honey. In fact, when I was younger, I treated a friend just like Melissa’s treating you now.”

Carmen stared at her. “How’d you change?”

“By realizing that Jesus would never stop loving me. Once I accepted His love, I was able to love others the way He did—not for what they offered, but for who they were.” She put an arm around Carmen. “Let’s pray that you can help Melissa know Jesus’ love by showing her you’ll always be her faithful friend.” – Rebekah Love Dorris

How About You?

Have you ever been rejected by a friend? Not much is as painful as wondering why someone who once loved you no longer does. While you can’t force someone to like you again, you can pray for them and help them know the unfailing love of Jesus. He knows how it feels to be rejected, but He never stops loving us. Ask Him to help you be a faithful friend like Him.

Today’s Key Verse: John 15:12 Love one another as I have loved you. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus’ love never fails