Like a Badger (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-18

What are you reading about?” asked Kate as she peered over her brother’s shoulder to see what was on his computer screen. “Oh, look at that little animal! He’s so cute!”

“Stop saying everything is cute!” said Caleb. “That’s a badger, and badgers are interesting, not cute!”

Kate sniffed. “Well, I think that badger is cute. What do you find so interesting about it?”

“Well, this article says that when badgers make their homes underground, they dig dens that are interconnected by a whole maze of burrows and passages. I think that’s pretty cool!”

“That is cool,” said Kate. “That means they can visit each other without having to go above ground.”

Caleb nodded. “And it says badgers are nocturnal animals, which means…”

“I know what it means,” said Kate. “It means they’re awake at night and they sleep during the day.”

“Right,” said Caleb. “And listen to this. ‘If a badger is away from home at daybreak, he may stay and rest with another badger family for a while before heading back to his own home.’ They must be hospitable animals.”

“What does that mean?” asked Kate.

“You know—making guests feel comfortable and at home,” said Caleb.

“Oh! Like how we took care of the missionaries who stayed with us last month.” Kate laughed. “Maybe the traveling badgers are missionary badgers!”

“Listen to this,” said Caleb. “It says badgers sometimes even allow a fox to stay over!” He grinned at his sister. “I haven’t seen you entertaining any foxes lately.”

“Hmm,” said Kate. “I can’t think of anything to compare that to!”

“I can,” said Caleb. “It might be like inviting someone you don’t know very well to come over and play. Like those new kids who’ve started coming to church, for example.”

“Better not let them hear you comparing them to foxes!” said Kate. “But you’re probably right. We’d be practicing hospitality and showing them the love of Jesus, just like the verse we learned at church last week said we should. Let’s invite them!”

– Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?

Are you hospitable? Do you make others feel welcome—whether they’re you’re friends or someone you don’t know well? The Bible tells Christians to be hospitable and welcoming to others—even those we don’t know—because Jesus welcomed us when we didn’t know Him. Share His love with others by making everyone feel welcome at your home, school, church, or wherever you are.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:13 Always be eager to practice hospitality. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Practice hospitality