Necessary Ingredients (Part 3)

Bible Reading: Romans 12:14-21

“Hi, Mom!” Kyle bounded into the kitchen with a huge grin and plopped onto a stool.

“Hi, sweetie. Was today better?”

“Sure was! Guess what? I know why the kids made fun of me about my job in the class play. James was jealous! He wanted to do the lights and was bragging to Pete about how the teacher would definitely pick him. So when I got picked instead, James was as angry as a hornet. He just said all that stuff about me not being important because he felt like he wasn’t important! The other kids probably joined in because they were scared of him. Isn’t that crazy?”

“How did you handle that?” Mom asked.

“I wanted to punch him.” Mom’s eyes grew round, and Kyle quickly added, “Don’t worry, I didn’t. I was just mad that he hurt me. It felt good knowing James thought he didn’t matter.”

Mom raised her eyebrows.

“I know, I know,” Kyle said, “it was wrong to think that. So I prayed in my head, and I asked God to help me tell James what you told me.”

“What did you tell him?” Mom asked.

Kyle grinned. “I told him my mom was pretty good at making up voices for flour and baking soda characters.”

Mom’s cheeks reddened slightly. “Well, I used to enjoy drama.”

“Just kidding,” Kyle said. “I told him I knew how it felt to think I didn’t matter, and that it just isn’t true. Everyone matters to God, and we matter to each other. I told him if we were all different cake ingredients, we’d all be needed to make the cake, even if we were tiny—like the baking soda. Then I shared half the piece of chocolate cake in my lunch with him.”

“I’m so proud of you!” said Mom. “Instead of trying to get back at James for being mean, you responded with kindness, just like Jesus would. How did James respond?”

“He was surprised I was being nice after he was so awful. He didn’t exactly apologize, but he started being nice, so we’re friends again. I’m glad, because if I matter to other Christians, then they have to matter to me too, right?”

Mom smiled and nodded. “That’s exactly right.” Pearl Allard

How About You?

Have you ever considered that people who hurt you are perhaps feeling hurt themselves? Maybe in the very same way they hurt you? Knowing the truth that we matter can heal us and give us strength to offer that same healing to those who treat us badly. Who can you think of who needs to hear God’s truth? Will you share it with them in a loving way? (And maybe a piece of cake?)

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Overcome evil with good