Take Off the Label

Bible Reading: Mathew 7:1-3; 22:36-40; John 13:34

“What’s wrong?” asked Susan, watching her younger sister squirm at the breakfast table.

“My neck is itchy!” moaned Karen. She tugged the collar of her new purple sweater.

“I bet Charlotte would wear that sweater, itchy or not,” said Susan. “Everyone thinks she’s weird because practically everything she owns is purple. Yesterday, she got in trouble for doing her math in purple!”

Mom turned from the coffee maker and examined Karen’s collar. “The label is scratching your skin,” she observed.

“I’ll cut it out,” offered Susan. She fetched a pair of scissors, carefully snipped a few threads, and pulled away the label.

Karen sighed, rubbing her neck. “I feel better already.”

As Mom went back to fill her coffee mug, she said, “Susan, getting rid of Karen’s label was a nice thing to do.”

“Piece of cake,” said Susan, tossing the stiff fabric into the trash.

“What about Charlotte’s label?” Mom asked, returning to the table. “Do you think it’s easy to remove?” Susan looked puzzled. “If everyone says she’s weird, Charlotte’s stuck with an invisible label that other people attach to her,” Mom remarked. “Do you think that label bothers her as much as the other one bothered your sister?”

A silence hung in the air.

“Do you girls remember the verse we studied last week?” asked Mom. Karen answered, “Jesus said not to judge other people.”

Mom nodded. “How well do you know Charlotte?” she asked Susan. Susan blushed. “I avoid talking to her because everyone always says she’s strange. I assumed it was true. I guess I haven’t been fair to her.”

“The reason Jesus tells us not to judge others is because only God can judge. Only He is good, and He offers us forgiveness and acceptance through Jesus, even though none of us deserve it,” Mom replied. “Instead of relying on someone else’s judgment to influence you, you can show Jesus’ love instead. By offering your friendship and acceptance to Charlotte, you could help remove the discomfort of her label—the way you helped your sister.”

“I don’t want to make Charlotte wear a label that hurts her,” said Susan with determination. “I’ll be nice to her. I’ll start by asking her to be my partner in math class.” • Elena Dee

How About You?

Do you label others by judging them? How would you feel if others only saw you in a certain way instead of getting to know you? Trust Jesus to help you see others the way He sees them instead of judging them. By accepting others and showing them God’s love, you can help free them from hurtful labels. Show them kindness by reaching out in friendship

Today’s Key Verse:
Mathew 7:1 Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t judge others