No Teasing

Read: Romans 12:10-15

Emerson angrily kicked a stone and sent it flying along the sidewalk. When he heard someone coming up behind him, he turned and saw that it was Isaac, one of his classmates. “You mad about something?” Isaac asked when he saw how upset Emerson looked. “What’s wrong?”

Emerson sighed and kicked another stone. “I’m just so sick of being bald. Some of the kids at school make fun of me.”

Isaac frowned. “Having leukemia doesn’t make your hair fall out, does it?” he asked cautiously. “That just happens because of the treatments, right?”

Emerson nodded. “My mom says the kids will get used to seeing me like this, but they still tease me.” He bit his lip, struggling not to show how much the teasing hurt. “You never tease me, though,” he told Isaac.

Isaac shrugged. “You look fine to me,” he said as they turned onto Emerson’s street. “Want to come over and play with my race cars?”

“Sure,” said Emerson. “I’ll just stop by my house and ask my mom if it’s okay.”

Once Emerson got permission and they went on to Isaac’s house, the boys talked as their little cars sped around the track. “Does it hurt to have leukemia?” Isaac asked.

“Some of the tests hurt, and the treatments make me feel sick,” said Emerson. “And even though I wear a cap most of the time, I know I look funny with a bald head. When kids tease me about it, it just makes me feel worse.” He stopped his race car and looked at Isaac. “How come you don’t tease me like other kids do?”

“Like I said, you look fine to me. Besides, I…” Isaac paused before continuing. “I don’t want to make you feel bad, and Jesus wouldn’t want me to. He loves everyone, and He helps me see people the way He does.”

“Well, I wish the other kids knew more about Jesus then,” said Emerson. “Actually, I don’t know much about Him either.”

“Let’s go to the kitchen for a snack and I’ll tell you more about Him,” Isaac said. “Maybe you could even come to church with me sometime and learn more about Him there.”

Emerson smiled. “Okay,” he said and followed Isaac to the kitchen.

–Carolyn E. Yost

How about you? Do you know someone whose appearance is affected by a health problem? Maybe they have scars from an injury or were born with a physical challenge. Don’t cause them further difficulty and pain by teasing them about it. Jesus loves them so much He died for them, and He’ll help you treat them with kindness and respect. You might even end up with a new friend who wants to hear more about Him!

Today's key verse: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)

Today's key thought: Don’t tease when it hurts others