February 1, Colossians 3:13

“These books are so cool,” commented Jessica as she and sister Amanda looked through the stuff Grandma had made for them. “Look! Here’s a picture I drew when I was four years old.” The girls laughed together as they looked at the picture. “May we draw a new picture for a page in our books?” asked Amanda. “Sure,” agreed Grandma. “ I want you to use special paper and markers that are acid free.”

“Acid free? What does that mean?” asked Amanda.

“Most paper contains an acid that will slowly ruin pictures,” explained Grandma. “Acid free materials won’t do that, and the paper will stay good much longer.”

Soon the girls were busy drawing. “I’m done!” announced Jessica after a while. “Me too!” said Amanda.

Grandma admired their artwork “Very good work, girls,” she said.

“I like my picture best,” declared Jessica as she inserted the new page into her memory book. “Not me,” retorted Amanda. “I think my colours are much prettier.” “No way!” exclaimed Jessica. “Mine are! I…”

Grandma frowned. “Girls! Girls!” she scolded. “Your quarrelling reminds me of the acid that damages paper and pictures but quarrelling is worse as it ruins your friendship with each other as well as with God.” Grandma looked sternly at the girls. “Is there something you’d like to say to each other?”

The girls looked at each other. “Sorry, Sis,” mumbled Jessica. Amanda hesitated. “I-I’m sorry, too,” she said.

“That’s better,” said Grandma. “These memory books will last a long time. They’ll remind you not to let the acid of quarrelling, or any other sin, destroy friendships with other people or with God. Be quick to apologise when you are wrong, and equally quick to forgive.”

“We’ll be friends forever, Grandma,” replied Amanda, wrapping an arm around her sister. “Come on, Jess. Let’s go play checkers.”

Thought: Aren’t you glad God is willing to forgive you when you confess your sin? Do you forgive other people, too?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that sin can destroy friendship with people and fellowship with God. Help me to be forgiving towards others just as You have forgiven me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.