APRIL 5 Colossians 3:12

Puay Hoon cringed as she took a sip from her glass. Finally, she pushed it away. “This isn’t very good orange juice,” she complained. “It’s awfully sour. Yuck!”

“That’s odd,” said Mom. “It’s the same brand we’ve always used. Maybe you didn’t put enough sugar in it.”

“Yes, I did. I’m sure I did!” insisted Puay Hoon. She frowned and crossed her arms. “I think this drink is like Megan,” she added. “They’re both sour.”

“Megan is sour?” asked Mom. “You mean Megan from church? She always seems like such a sweet girl to me.”

“She used to be, but she’s not sweet anymore,” Puay Hoon replied. “Ever since she didn’t make it to the basketball team, she’s been really nasty and rude to everybody- especially to the girls who made it.”

“Really? Well, don’t be too hard on her, honey,” said Mom. “Disappointment is a painful thing, and I’m sure she feels very sad.”

Puay Hoon shrugged, glanced at the pitcher on the table. All of a sudden, she knew what had happened. “I know why this juice is so sour!” she said. “I put enough sugar in the pitcher, but I didn’t stir it well. Look! You can see the sugar at the bottom.” She got out a spoon, stirred the drink, and tried it again. “That’s much better!” she exclaimed. Mom smiled. “All the sugar was at the bottom of the pitcher, so the orange juice was sour until you stirred the sweetness through it. That’s probably how it is with Megan. I believe she’s a Christian, so the sweetness of God’s love must be hidden at the bottom of her heart right now. Maybe the Lord can use you to ‘stir’ it up so that it shows again.”

“How would I do that?” asked Puay Hoon. “First of all, pray for her,” suggested Mom. “Then be sympathetic and understanding. Listen to her if she wants to talk. She may need someone to just listen-sometimes that’s all it takes to help. Remind her that God loves her, and let her see that you’re concerned about her, too.”

Thoughtfully, Puay Hoon nodded. “Okay,” she agreed. “I’ll try to do that.”

Thought: Do you think others are “sour” and therefore you don’t like them? Be more understanding.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be kind and understanding towards others, even people who are difficult. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.