No More Junk

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 18:21; Galatians 5:22-26

“Ouch! My tummy hurts,” Micah said on the way home from his friend’s birthday sleepover.

“What did you eat at the party?” Mom asked.

“Well, last night we had tacos for dinner—I ate four. Then I had some birthday cake, ice cream, and chips. I finished off the night with a bunch of candy. This morning I had some hot chocolate and two donuts.”

“I’m not surprised you don’t feel good,” Mom said. “Eating that much junk food would give anyone a tummy ache.”

Micah groaned and held his stomach. “I don’t think I’ll do that again.”

At school on Monday, Micah and some of his friends were talking about Jonathan. They were laughing about him and calling him the class nerd. Micah didn’t really feel that way about him, but he wanted to fit in with his friends. Afterwards, he felt terrible, just like he’d felt when he’d eaten too much junk food.

“What’s bothering you, Micah?” Mom asked when he got home from school.

Micah sighed. “I was saying junk about Jonathan with a group of my friends just so I could fit in, and now I feel awful about it.”

“What do you think you should do about it?”

“I think I need to ask Jesus to forgive me for saying such unkind things. And I should probably apologize to Jonathan too—I think he overheard us making fun of him.”

“That sounds like the right thing to do,” Mom said. “You know, the Bible says the tongue can bring death or life. The words we say can either build others up and encourage them or hurt them and make them feel bad—and saying unkind things can make you feel bad too. I think you feel the way you do because you know saying junk like that doesn’t fit who you are as a Christian. Since you know Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit inside you, and He’s urging you to speak with kindness and be an encouragement to others. Let Him guide you in using your words in a way that shows others His love.”

Micah nodded. “Okay, I’ll do that. No more talking junk!” He picked up his backpack. “I’m going to my room to pray, and then I need to call Jonathan.”

-Lisa Fuller

How About You?

Have you ever said something and then wished you could take it back? The Bible has a lot to say about the tongue. Our words can encourage people and show them the love of Jesus, but they can also be very hurtful. That’s why it’s important to stop and think before you speak and to listen to the Holy Spirit. Trust Him to help you speak in a way that builds others up and points them to Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Watch what you say