Daily Devotional for April 24, 2020
Being a Good Neighbor at School
Olivia shifted uncomfortably in the pew. The pastor had just told the story of the Good Samaritan, reminding Olivia that Jesus wanted her to be a good neighbor too. She knew this, of course, but why was it so hard sometimes?
“Jesus loves you,” the pastor continued. “He loves you so much He died for you even though you were a sinner. He also died for those who don’t know Him yet. That’s why Jesus tells us to love our enemies—so they can see the love He has shown us.”
After church, Olivia’s mom asked her why she was so squirmy during the sermon. Olivia hesitated, but finally told her what was bothering her. “My friend Samantha is spreading lies about the new girl, Yusra. Yusra wears a head scarf to school because she is Muslim, and I heard Samantha telling everyone sitting around us on the carpet during Library that Yusra must be bald or she wouldn’t be wearing a head scarf every day.”
“What did you say?” asked Mom.
“Nothing! Everyone giggled, but I thought it was mean. And Yusra looked so sad. Should I have said something to Samantha? How can I be a good neighbor to both Samantha and Yusra?”
“Let’s pray about it,” said Mom. They bowed their heads.
The next day, Samantha approached Olivia on the playground. She looked mischievous. “Next time we have Library, I’m going to pull Yusra’s scarf off her head,” Samantha said. “It will be funny! Besides, on the news, Muslims are enemies, right? Will you help me?”
The bell rang. Olivia felt rooted to the asphalt. What was she going to do? All she could think about was how Jesus said to love your enemies. Was Yusra even her enemy? Yusra had always been kind to her. Besides, Jesus loved and died for Yusra too, even if Yusra didn’t know it yet.
Olivia shook her head. “Jesus says to love your neighbor, and Yusra is our neighbor at school. I’m not going to treat her like an enemy.” Olivia ran ahead and joined Yusra in line.
“Yusra, will you go with me to the library? I’m sorry about what Samantha said last week, and I want to talk to the librarian and make sure it never happens again.” SONJA ANDERSON
How about you?
Do you think it’s okay to be mean to some people? Maybe they did something mean to you, or maybe you’ve heard that people like them are your enemies. But Jesus can change an enemy into a friend. He loved us enough to die for us when we were still His enemies, and He wants you to show that love to others. Be a good neighbor to everyone, even those who don’t know Him.
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