FEBRUARY 9, Romans 15:7

Li Ann winced when her friends made cutting remarks about Michelle, another classmate. Michelle’s clothes were often dirty and mismatched. Her skin and hair did not look clean either. Many of the girls at school teased her, but Li Ann had never joined in. She was a Christian and she knew God would not be pleased with that.

After school, Li Ann told her mother about Michelle. “I’ve prayed about it – I’ve asked God to make the teasing stop, but it doesn’t seem to do any good,” said Li Ann. “I feel so sorry for Michelle.” “Well, maybe you need to put ‘legs’ on your prayers,” suggested Mother. “Are you willing to be her friend?” Li Ann thought about it and then nodded slowly. She would do it.

Li Ann began by saying a few friendly words to Michelle whenever they met in the hall. Next, she invited Michelle to sit with her at lunch time. A few weeks later, Li Ann asked her friends, including Michelle, to have a gathering at her house.

Li Ann was glad to see that Michelle was wearing a clean shirt when she arrived at her home. During the evening, the girls talked about hair styles, choosing suitable clothes, cleanliness, and other good grooming habits. Michelle listened intently. After a bit, she asked, “Will you help me fix my hair so it looks better?” Soon the girls were all giggling together as they tried fixing Michelle’s hair in different ways.

After that evening, Michelle’s appearance slowly improved. She was clean and neat, and as the others teased her less, she lost some of her shyness. She also went to Sunday school with Li Ann.

Li Ann was delighted. God had answered her prayer–using Li Ann herself to bring about the changes. She was glad she had pleased the Lord and brought glory to Him by being kind to Michelle.

Thought: Do you refuse to join in teasing others? That’s good, but sometimes there’s even more you can do. Are you willing to help someone who has a problem? Start out with just a friendly word or two. As time goes by, you may have a chance to do other things. Be ready to help in any way God shows you.

Prayer: Although it is easy to just follow the majority and tease someone different, Heavenly Father, help me to have the strength to say “No!” Help me to dare stand up and be different. As Jesus has accepted me, help me to accept others who may be different from me. And to help them should such opportunities arise. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.