MAY 13, Proverbs 10:12

“You are stupid and ugly,” said Lydia to Adelene.

“Maybe I am,” said Adelene, ”but in many ways you are very nice.”

Lydia was stunned! She was so unkind to Adelene, and how could Adelene continue to be so nice to her after the mean and untrue remark! She looked up and smiled. “You really are not ugly and stupid,” she said. So, the two girls reconciled and became friends again.

Adelene was not stupid or ugly. Let me tell you what she was – she was a godly and wise young girl. She knew how to get around a quarrel and stay friendly. Jesus told us to be kind like Adelene. When someone says mean things to us, we are to say good things back to them. As the Bible says, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins” (Proverbs 10:12).

God’s children are to act that way because God acts that way. When a man prays to idols, God still brings the rain to water his garden. Does God tell the sun not to shine on his house? Oh, no, God is kind and good even to those who do not love Him.

Jesus showed his love for us by:
1. ___________ for our sins.
2. ___________ on the cross for us.
3. ___________ for us in Heaven.
4. ___________ the Holy Spirit to comfort and teach us.
5. ___________ us the Bible to guide us.

Thought: Love is nothing without action.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to know the real meaning of love, and to apply it in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.