Under the Skin

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:12-15

It had been a lonely, miserable day for Kennedy. Before a girl named Nicole moved to town, Kennedy and Gracie had done everything together. But now Gracie always wanted to include Nicole in their activities. “I’ll find a new friend,” muttered Kennedy as she snipped some roses. “I’ll…ouch!” A thorn pricked her thumb. As she rubbed it, Kennedy could feel the thorn under her skin, but she couldn’t see it.

“Kennedy!” Mom called. “Phone!”

“Coming!” Kennedy picked up the roses and ran to the house. “Hello? Oh, hi, Gracie. To your house? Is Nicole there too? Well, I don’t think so. Not today. Maybe some other time. Bye.” Kennedy let out a frustrated sigh as she put down the phone, then stopped when she noticed her mother glancing at her. “Where should I put these roses, Mom?” she asked quickly, hoping Mom hadn’t overheard her conversation with Gracie.

After arranging the roses in a vase, Kennedy looked at her thumb. It looks okay, she thought, and she sat down to read a book.

The next day, Kennedy’s thumb was very sore. It seemed to throb with every pulse beat. It must be that thorn, she thought. Kennedy found her mother and told her about it.

“The thorn has to come out,” said Mom, and after considerable digging and probing, she held up a tiny sliver. “This is like your feelings toward Nicole,” Mom said. Kennedy looked at her in surprise. “Like a thorn, she gets under your skin, and if you don’t do something about the resentment and bitterness you feel toward her, it will get worse.”

“But I can’t help it! She…” Kennedy stopped and rubbed her thumb. With the sliver removed, the pain had already subsided—but she knew the dull ache in her heart was getting worse. “How can I change the way I feel?” Kennedy asked.

“You need God’s help. Pray about Nicole, and ask Jesus to replace the bitterness with love for her. His love can change your heart.”

Kennedy hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll ask Him to help me dig out all the bad feelings I have about her—like you dug out the thorn.” She smiled a little. “You know what? I feel a little better already!” • Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Are you holding on to bitter thoughts? Does someone get under your skin? Is there a relationship that needs healing? Begin with prayer. Ask Jesus to help you dig out any resentment and bitterness toward that person and replace it with His love. Remember how much He loves each one of us, and treat that person the way He would—with kindness and understanding.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Dig out bitterness