JUNE 6, Leviticus 19:18

“Let’s go get an ice cream cone at the shop, Dad,” said Kai Lin. “We can be back long before Mom gets home from her committee meeting.”

“Good idea,” agreed Dad, so they went out to the car.

As they drove along, Kai Lin and Dad saw a couple of Kai Lin’s classmates playing together. “I can’t stand that girl with the long braid!” exclaimed Kai Lin.

“Really?” Dad sounded surprised. “Do you know her well?”

“No, and I don’t want to know her either!” grumbled Kai Lin. “She’s the one who beat me at the tryouts for a place on the volleyball team.”

Just as Dad started to reply, there was a loud bang, and the car veered to the right. “Oh no!” groaned Dad. “Flat tire!” He pulled over to the side of the road, got some tools and the spare tire from the trunk. Soon, he had the car jacked up. He and Kai Lin chatted as he worked. “Kai Lin,” said Dad, “I want to hear more about why you don’t like that girl we saw. The fact that she got the place you wanted on the team is not a reason to dislike her. I’m sure you know that.”

“Well, my friend Alicia knows her, and she doesn’t like her either,” mumbled Kai Lin. Dad frowned as he removed the wheel with the flat tire and replaced it with the spare one. “I’m glad we have this spare to use,” he said. He paused, then asked “Don’t you think your attitude needs to be changed, like the flat tire needed changing? Maybe it’s time for you to find a spare attitude to replace the grudge you’re holding against your friend.”

“She’s not my friend. She... she’s an enemy!” Kai Lin said, “I see,” said Dad, putting the flat tire in the trunk. “Well, do you remember what Jesus said about the way you should treat your enemies?”

“I remember,” Kai Lin murmured. “He said we should love them.” Dad closed the trunk. “Shall we see if those girls are still outside and invite them to join us for some ice cream?” he suggested. Kai Lin hesitated only a moment before she nodded.

Thought: Do you have an unkind or unforgiving attitude toward someone? Are you holding a grudge? Do you really have a good reason to dislike anyone? Stand back and take a good look at the entire situation. Think about your attitude.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that I cannot hold grudges. It is so difficult at times, but Lord, with Thy help, I will try until I succeed. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.