When Nobody Does the Right Thing

Read

Matthew 5:46 "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"

Think

Imagine you are on the playground and you see a kid sitting all alone. A few of the other kids have started teasing them. Nobody is standing up for the lonely kid. Everybody is just watching, or joining in, or looking away.

What would you do? It is scary, right? Because doing the right thing when nobody else is doing it feels really hard. You might worry the teasing will turn on you next.

Jesus talked about this too. He said, “If you only love the people who love you back, what is so special about that? Even people who do not know God can do that. Anybody can be nice to their friends.”

God is calling you to something bigger. He is calling you to love even when it is not easy. To be kind even when nobody else is. To stand up for the lonely kid even when it feels scary.

Here is a true thing about bullying. Most of the time, when one kid is being picked on, there are other kids nearby who feel bad about it but do not do anything. They are scared. And that is understandable. But one brave kid who chooses to be kind can change everything.

You do not have to fight anybody. Being brave usually just looks like going over to sit with the lonely kid. Or saying, "Hey, want to play with us?" Or telling a teacher, "Someone needs help over there." Little acts of courage.

When you love someone that nobody else is loving, you are doing the thing Jesus is proud of. You are not just doing the easy, normal thing. You are loving like him.

It takes courage to be kind when others are being cruel. But you do not do it alone. God is right there with you, giving you the bravery you need.

Apply

Find the lonely one – Look around today for someone who is being left out or picked on. Do one brave, kind thing for them, like sitting with them or inviting them to play. Tell a grownup if someone needs help.

Pray

God, sometimes doing the right thing is scary, especially when nobody else is doing it. Please give me courage to be kind when others are not. Help me stand up for kids who feel alone. In Jesus' name. Amen.