Supporting Max

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-4, 13-14

Jonah sat on the rope swing in the backyard, thinking about the new boy in his class at school while his mom weeded the flower garden. “Hey, Mom,” Jonah said. “Have you ever heard of autism?”

“Yes, why do you ask?” asked Mom.

“Well, there’s this new kid in my class named Max,” explained Jonah. “My teacher said he has a form of autism that might make him react differently or say things in a way that might seem odd sometimes. She told us to be extra patient and kind as he adjusts to a new school. He seems really smart—like in science class he knew all sorts of facts about outer space and space missions. But then at lunch, he sat all by himself even after I invited him to sit at my table. He didn’t seem like he wanted to be bothered. I’m not sure what to do.”

“People with autism sometimes make friends a little differently,” said Mom. “Being around a large group of people is probably challenging for Max.”

“I want to be friends with him, but I’m not sure how,” Jonah said.

Mom looked at her flower garden. “Do you see how these lilies are starting to fall over? Every year, I have to tie them to a stick for extra support. Maybe Max just needs a friend like you to give him extra support in the friendship department.”

“You mean I can kind of be like the stick to help prop him up?” asked Jonah.

Mom nodded. “You can ask to sit with him at his lunch table tomorrow so he doesn’t feel so overwhelmed by a crowd. You can support him by listening to him and trying to understand how he sees things. As you get to know him, I think you’ll find that there are areas you struggle with where he can support you.”

Jonah grinned. “Like science!”

“God made Max with unique abilities, just like He made you with special talents and skills,” Mom said. “He gave us all different gifts so we can use them to help each other. Jesus knows we all need His love and support, and He often shows it to us through other people. You can be that friend for Max—and he can help support you too.”

-Kendra Angle

How About You?

Do you know someone who could use some extra support? Maybe it’s someone with a special need, like autism or a physical disability. Perhaps a friend struggles in a school subject you’re good at. God has given each of us different strengths, and we all face different struggles in life too. You can show the love of Jesus to your friends by offering support in areas where they need it—and when you need help with something, they can support you too.

Today’s Key Verse:
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Friends support each other