Harper’s Choice

Bible Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

As Harper dashed out onto the playground, she spotted Lilly and Emma chatting on the set of double bars.

“Hi, Harper.” Lilly grinned as Harper ran over to them. “Want a turn?” She gestured to the bars, where Emma was hanging by her legs.

“Sure.” Harper pulled herself up onto the bars next to Emma.

“We were just talking about Damien,” Lilly told her. “Emma said she saw him picking his nose in class. He is so gross.”

Beside her, Emma laughed. Harper forced a smile, but inside her stomach churned nervously. She didn’t like where this conversation was going.

“Yeah,” Emma piped up. “Did you see what he was eating for lunch today? Tuna fish! I have to sit next to him, and he’s going to smell fishy.”

“Oh, Emma, that literally stinks.” Lilly pulled a sympathetic face. They both looked at Harper, clearly waiting for her to add something.

“Maybe you could offer him a stick of gum,” Harper said uncertainly. She didn’t like that they were saying mean things about Damien.

“A stick of gum?” Lilly burst out laughing. “Oh, Harper, you’re too much! If Emma offered him a stick of gum, he’d probably think she wanted to be his friend.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Harper asked without thinking.

“You can’t be serious.” Lilly squeezed herself between Emma and Harper on the bars. “My turn,” she announced, and Harper slid off. Her heart sank. She had the feeling Lilly was dismissing her.

“I mean,” Harper said desperately, “obviously one stick of gum wouldn’t be enough to get rid of the smell. You’d have to give him the whole pack.”

There was a beat of silence, then Lilly grinned and patted the bars. “Maybe there’s room for three after all.”

Breathing out in relief, Harper hopped up on the bars. She saw a flash out of the corner of her eye and turned to see Damien running past them. Had he heard what she’d said? Remorse filled her as she remembered that Jesus loved Damien and died for him as well as her. But she’d been so eager to fit in, she’d been willing to make fun of him.

“Guys, I have to go,” she said, then she dashed off after Damien to apologize. It was never too late to love others like Jesus does. -Heather Gardner

How About You?

Have you ever said or done something unkind because you wanted to fit in? How did you feel afterward? It can be hard to stand up to your friends, but Jesus is always with you. If you’re ever in a tough situation, ask Him for help. He suffered the ultimate rejection on the cross because He loves you, and His love is better than the approval of any friend. He will help you love others like He does.

Today’s Key Verse:
Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Love others