Suddenly Sisters

Bible Reading: Psalm 68:6; Proverbs 17:17

Sienna slowly got off the school bus, dreading going inside her house. It wasn’t fair. She had to share her room with Leah, the girl everyone referred to as her little sister. She wasn’t—she was the daughter of the man her mom had married. Now Sienna had a roommate—and no privacy.

As Sienna opened the front door, her mother called from the kitchen. “Sienna, please come in here before you go upstairs.”

Her mom and stepdad were seated at the kitchen table with several adults nearby. She recognized them from church. She could tell her mom had been crying. “Now what?” Sienna blurted out.

The last few years had been rocky for Sienna. Her parents got divorced when she was eight, and her mom married Bill just before Sienna turned ten. A few months later, Leah, Bill’s seven-year-old daughter, joined them. Leah’s mom had been diagnosed with cancer and was having trouble taking care of her. Sienna wondered what the troubling news was going to be this time.

“Leah’s mom passed away this morning,” Mom said softly. “She’s upstairs and could use some comfort.”

Sienna’s heart sank a bit. She wasn’t prepared to help Leah with a problem like this. She was still trying to see Leah as family. “What can I do?” she asked.

“Be her sister,” Mom replied. “I know you’ve had a hard time adjusting to her being here, but that’s what she needs right now. A sister—a sister in Christ—who loves her.”

Sienna slowly walked upstairs and opened the bedroom door. Leah ran to her and hugged her tightly. Sienna looked at her, and for the first time, she felt love for her new sister.

“Are you okay?” Sienna asked.

“Yes,” Leah said through tears. “My mom was so sick, but she’s with Jesus now.” She looked up at Sienna. “I was so lonely before I got here, but now I have a room with you. I thank Jesus every night for giving me a big sister to keep me from being alone.”

Sienna realized for the first time how differently Leah thought about the two of them sharing a room. “I’m glad we’re sisters too,” she said. And for the first time, she meant it. – Jo Upton

How About You?

Have you had to accept someone into your life who caused changes you never wanted? God often brings people into our lives so we can help each other during difficult times—both through our earthly family and our spiritual family, the church. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is part of His family, and He helps us love our brothers and sisters, even when it’s difficult.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:10 Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Love one another