Spare Attitude

Bible Reading: Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:43-48

“Let’s go get an ice cream cone at the Eskimo Palace, Dad,” said Kinsley. “We can be back before Mom gets home from her meeting.”

“Good idea,” said Dad, so they went out to the car.

As they drove along, they passed a couple of Kinsley’s classmates playing at the park. “Ugh!” said Kinsley. “I can’t stand that girl with the long braid!”

Dad looked at Kinsley in surprise. “Why’s that?”

“She’s the one who beat me out of a place on the volleyball team,” said Kinsley.

Just as Dad started to reply, there was a loud bang, and the car veered to the right. “Oh no!” groaned Dad. “Flat tire!” He pulled over to the side of the road and got some tools and the spare tire from the trunk. Soon he had the car jacked up, and he and Kinsley chatted as he worked. “Kinsley,” said Dad, “I want to hear more about why you don’t like that girl we saw. The fact that she got the place you wanted on the team is not a reason to dislike her. Didn’t you beat someone out of a spot when you made the soccer team last fall?”

Kinsley kicked at a pebble. “I guess.”

Dad removed the wheel with the flat tire and replaced it with the spare one. “I’m glad we have this spare to use.” He paused, then asked, “Don’t you think your attitude needs to be changed–like this flat tire needs changing? Maybe it’s time for you to find a spare attitude to replace the grudge you’re holding against your friend.”

“She’s not my friend,” said Kinsley. “She’s…she’s an enemy!”

“I see,” said Dad, putting the flat tire in the trunk. “Well, do you remember what Jesus said about how we should treat our enemies?”

“He said we should love them,” Kinsley murmured.

Dad nodded. “We’ve all sinned against Him, yet He loved us enough to die for us so we could be forgiven and have eternal life. And He gives us the power to show that same attitude of love and forgiveness toward others.” Dad closed the trunk. “Shall we see if those girls are still at the park and invite them to join us for some ice cream?”

Kinsley hesitated a moment, then slowly nodded.

–Vicki L. Reinhardt

How About You?
Are you holding a grudge against someone? Stand back and take a good look at the entire situation. Think about your attitude. Remember that God loves everyone–even your enemies–and He will help you love them too. Thank God for His love for you, then trust Him to help you show the same attitude of love toward others that He showed you.

Today’s Key Verse:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. (NIV) (Romans 15:5)

Today’s Key Thought:
Don’t hold grudges