Leave Your Mark

Bible Reading: John 13:33-35

“Okay, the last thing we need is a head of cabbage for dinner,” Aiden’s mom said.

Aiden walked over to the side of the produce section. “Hey, Mom, they have purple cabbage. Can we try it?” Mom nodded, so Aiden picked out a head of purple cabbage and added it to the cart.

As they waited in line to check out, Aiden smiled at a baby sitting in the seat of the cart in front of them, kicking his feet. The baby’s mom was busy putting her groceries on the conveyor belt and didn’t notice when the baby kicked his shoe off. Aiden picked up the discarded shoe. “Excuse me—your baby dropped this,” he said, giving her the shoe.

“Oh! Thank you so much,” the mom replied. “This is his only good pair of shoes!”

At home later that evening, Aiden watched as his mom spooned cooked purple cabbage into a bowl. “Mom, look! That cabbage turned the water you boiled it in purple.”

“You’re right—and it’s even turning the bottom of the bowl purple,” Mom said as she placed the bowl of cabbage on the table.

“That’s kind of cool,” Aiden said as he sat down. “The purple cabbage really leaves its mark. It shares its color with everything it comes in contact with.”

Mom nodded. “Speaking of which, I’m very proud of the mark you left at the grocery store today when you picked up that baby’s shoe and gave it to his mother.”

Aiden looked confused. “How could that leave a mark? I barely did anything!”

“As Christians, we’re called to leave our mark on others,” said Mom. “Just like purple cabbage is known for its deep purple color, Christians are supposed to be known for their love. Our job is to display the love of Jesus to everyone we come in contact with—even in the smallest ways. You did that today by helping someone, even if it didn’t seem like much.” She smiled at Aiden. “It’s your turn to ask the blessing tonight.”

Aiden bowed his head. “Dear Jesus, thank You for this food and the purple cabbage we get to try tonight. Please help us leave Your mark of love on those around us. Amen.”

-Melissa Yeagle

How About You?

What kind of mark do you leave on others? Do your actions toward others reflect God’s love? Even the smallest kindness can leave a mark and show someone the love of Jesus. He showed us His love by dying for our sins, and as His children, we’re called to show love to others. You can do that by helping and caring for those around you—even in small ways. How can you leave a mark of love today?

Today’s Key Verse: John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Display God’s love to others