Jesus said something surprising. He said, Love your enemies. He said, Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.
That is hard. When someone is mean, our tummy feels tight, and we want to be mean back. Jesus does not say, Pretend it did not happen. He does not say, Stay where someone hurts you. He says love. Love prays instead of shouts.
Bethany told her teacher. That was good. Telling a grown-up when you are hurt is not tattling. It is asking for help. Then she prayed for the boy. That was love.
You can do the same today. If someone is mean, tell a grown-up you trust. Then say one kind thing to yourself, and ask God to bless that person. God loves you, and God helps you be kind when it is hard.
🛡️When Someone Is Mean
Love the One Who Was Mean to You
Jesus shows us what to do when someone is unkind.
October 12, 20262 min readNIV
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
— Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)
Love enemies
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
During group work, a boy in Bethany's class slid her pencil case off the desk. "You're too slow for our group," he said. Bethany's face went hot. She untied her hair ribbon and tied it again, twice.
Kavya, sitting beside her, kept her eyes on the page and handed Bethany a pencil. At recess Bethany walked to her teacher and told her what happened.
That evening at cell group, Teresa asked who wanted to pray out loud. Bethany said, "I want to." Her voice shook all the way through. "God, please bless the boy who took my pencil case." When she finished, Teresa squeezed her hand.
Reflection
Think About It
• Who is one grown-up you can tell when someone is mean to you? • What kind thing can you say to yourself when someone's words hurt?
Prayer
God, You are the God who sees me. You know what happened today. You are not far away. You hear me when I pray. Help me love the person who was mean. I will tell a grown-up and I will not be unkind back. You are good, and I trust You. Amen.
Live It Out
If someone is mean today, tell a grown-up you trust, and say one kind thing to yourself.