The Cost of Courage

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 9:10-13; 2 Timothy 1:7

“Great game, Hailey!” said Mom. “Two goals–that’s incredible!”

Hailey kicked off her soccer cleats and sat on the sidelines beside Mom’s folding chair. “Sure, I guess.”

“What’s wrong?” asked Mom. “You did great.”

Hailey’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s Kaylee and Jenna. They said they don’t want to be my friends anymore.”

“What?” asked Mom. “How come?”

“At halftime they were making fun of Sarah. She’s shy, and she’s…well, she’s not the best player on the team. They called her ‘Slow Sarah’ when a ball got past her and said she should go play with those little kids.” Hailey pointed to another field where some four-year-olds were chasing a ball around.

“Oh, that’s terrible!” said Mom.

“They kept looking at me like they expected me to make fun of her too. I said they were being mean, so they called me a goody-goody and said they can’t be friends with someone who’s no fun. I just said, ‘Fine,’ and walked away. I didn’t know what to do.”

Mom hugged Hailey. “I’m proud of you for standing up for Sarah.”

Hailey shrugged. “I thought I was doing what Jesus wanted me to do. Why did He let it turn out so badly?”

Mom squeezed Hailey’s shoulder. “You’re right, Jesus does want you to love people because He loves us, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. The Bible is full of people who were rejected by others when they acted out of faith and obedience to God. Even Jesus was rejected for showing love to people everyone else wanted to stay away from. Through the Holy Spirit, He gives us the courage to love others that way too.”

“But now I don’t have any friends on the team! Doesn’t He care?”

“He cares very much,” Mom assured her. “Your courage may have cost you your friendship with Kaylee and Jenna, but Jesus promises to always be with you.” Mom pointed toward the field where Sarah was waving at them, a shy smile on her face. “Besides, it looks like you may have made a new friend.”

Hailey wiped her eyes and motioned for her teammate to join them.

–Jennifer Dillard

How About You?
Have you experienced rejection for following Jesus’s example of love? You are not alone. God’s people have often faced hardship and rejection for standing up in faith and doing what’s right. Jesus Himself was even rejected for loving sinners like us. He understands how you feel, and He promises to give you courage and strength and help you love others.

Today’s Key Verse:
Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. (NLT) (Isaiah 51:7)

Today’s Key Thought:
Stand up for others