A Friend of Sinners

Bible Reading: Luke 6:27-36; Romans 5:6-8

Max strung out a long piece of cheese and took a bite of his pepperoni pizza. He loved this restaurant--it had tons of fun games. This would've been the best day ever except for the mean kid.

"Mom, see that tall kid over there with red hair? When I was shooting hoops, he shoved me and stole my tickets out of the game."

His mother frowned. "That wasn't very nice."

"I know." Max picked at his food. "I feel like punching him in the face."

"Now, Max, you know that's not how we treat people," said Mom. "The Bible tells us to love our enemies."

"But he's mean!" said Max.

"Do you realize that people were mean to Jesus too?" asked Mom. "The Bible says we were all enemies of God at one time, but Jesus willingly suffered and died for our sins so we could be forgiven and become God's friends."

Max took a bite of his pizza and glanced at the boy. "I think I'm gonna play some games with the rest of my tokens."

"Okay, but you don't have much time. We need to leave in ten minutes to pick up Grandma from the airport."

Max headed for the race car game where he ran into a friend from school. "Hey, Jacob. What are you doing here?"

"I'm gonna play this racing game." Jacob jumped in the seat and slid a token into the slot. "I bet I can beat you."

"No way." Max smiled as he took a seat behind the wheel.

After a couple rounds with Jacob, Mom called to him. "Max, it's time to go!"

He looked down at the coins in his hand. He still had five left. For a moment he considered giving them to Jacob. Then he remembered what his mother had said.

"I gotta go," he told Jacob. He jogged over to the guitar game where the red-haired boy stood in front of the screen.

"Here." Max held out his coins. "These are for you."

The boy's mouth dropped open as Max handed over the tokens. "Why would you give me these?" he asked.

Max shrugged. "I thought you could use them." Then he smiled and went to find his mom.

–Annika Klanderud

How About You?
Is it hard for you to be kind to mean people? If somebody teases you, do you hope they get in trouble? People often describe Jesus as kind, merciful, and forgiving. But the amazing thing is, He's kind to bullies, cheaters, and people who break all the rules. While dying on the cross, He even asked His Father to forgive His murderers. Now that's an exceptional love--and He wants you to show that love to others.

Today's Key Verse:
Love your enemies! Do good to them…for [God] is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. (NLT) (Luke 6:35)

Today's Key Thought:
Love others like Jesus