The Dolls

Bible Reading: Matthew 22:36-40; Philippians 2:1-4

“How was your birthday, honey?” asked Dad as he opened the car door.

“It was great!” said Madeline as she wiggled into her seat. “I got a doll from Mom. She’ll be best friends with the doll you gave me. I can’t wait for them to play together.”

“That’s great!” Dad said. “I bet Addison will be excited to play with them too.”

“Uh-huh,” said Madeline. She sighed and looked out the car window, thinking about her stepsister, Addison. Her dad recently remarried someone named Jessica, and Addison was her daughter. Madeline was no longer an only child.

When Dad pulled into the driveway, Madeline rushed up the steps of their garage, took off her shoes, and eagerly ran to her room to play.

A few minutes later, Addison walked in. “Can I play with you?” she asked.

“No!” said Madeline sternly. Addison’s face welled up, and she stormed out of the room in tears.

Shortly after, Madeline heard footsteps approaching. “Hi, Dad,” she said nervously as she stared at her floor.

“Let’s have a seat on your bed,” said Dad. Madeline sat beside him, her legs dangling over the side. “Addison told Jessica and me that you wouldn’t let her play with you,” Dad said. “I came up here to understand why.”

“Dad, they’re my dolls! Why do I have to share?”

“Do you remember the greatest commandment Jesus taught us?” Dad asked. “To love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. We can’t do one without doing the other, and I know you love God because you trust in Jesus. That means you need to love your neighbor too.”

“But Addison isn’t my neighbor,” said Madeline. “She’s my stepsister!”

“Sweetie, when Jesus says to love your neighbor, He’s referring to everyone in your life, including your stepsister. You said on the ride home that you wanted your dolls to be best friends. Well, that’s how God feels about us. He wants Christians to love and support one another. Did you ever think that maybe He brought Addison into your life so the two of you could be friends?”

“I guess not,” Madeline admitted. “Maybe if I let Addison play with my dolls, we can be friends too.” Amber Metz

How About You?

Is there someone you’re having a hard time loving? Maybe that person came into your life because of a big change in your family and you’re having trouble adjusting. Remember that Jesus loves you and will help you through any changes or difficult situations you face and that each person He puts in your life is someone He wants you to love. Love others the way He has loved you.

Today’s Key Verse: John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Love one another