The Big Picture

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17:9; 27:9

Sierra watched the TV eagerly when a commercial for her dad’s business appeared on the screen. His company was a sponsor for a local TV station, and an ad for their business had been recorded at the office where he worked. “Where’s your desk, Dad?” asked Sierra. “I don’t see it.”

“You’re seeing the front desk and the reception area right now,” said Dad. “You can’t see everything all at once on the TV screen, you know, only a little at a time. You’ll probably see my office in a minute.”

“Well, I hope so. That’s the most important part of—oh, there’s your office and your desk now. All right!” Sierra grinned. “Looks good, but you should be in this commercial. That would make it even better.”

“Thanks,” said Dad with a smile. “I’m glad you think so.”

The ad for Dad’s company ended, and Sierra got up to leave. “I’m going to go read in my room for a while,” she said.

“You mean you’re not getting together with Madison?” Dad asked.

Sierra shook her head. “Madison doesn’t like me anymore. She’s ignoring me. Who wants to be friends with a mean, selfish person like that?”

“Now wait a minute—be careful not to jump to conclusions,” Dad said. “There might be something going on with Madison that you don’t know about.”

“Like what?” asked Sierra.

“Well, perhaps her dad lost his job or her mom is sick again, and she’s not ready to talk about it. Maybe she needs special understanding and love right now. Or it may be that she’s just been busy with other things and doesn’t mean to ignore you at all.” Dad nodded toward the TV screen. “Just like the TV couldn’t show the whole office at one time, we can’t see everything that’s going on in another person’s life. We don’t see the big picture, but God does. And He can use you to shine Jesus’ love into Madison’s life, whether she’s going through a difficult situation right now or not.”

“I guess you’re right,” said Sierra. “I don’t know what’s bothering Madison right now, but whatever it is, I should be there for her.” •Katherine R. Adams

How About You?

Are you having problems with a friend or family member? Maybe they’ve been avoiding you or acting differently. Remember that you have a limited perspective when it comes to other people. Only God knows everything that goes on in a person’s life. So don’t give up—keep showing love to that person, and be there for them in whatever it is they’re going through.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be there for others