JUNE 11, Luke 6:27-28

Andy wore a frown as he hurried into the house. “Hello, my son, happy birthday!” Dad greeted him. “But you don’t look very happy.”

“You wouldn’t look happy, either, if somebody always called you carrot-top!” grumbled Andy as he put his things away. “Someday, I’ll get even with Carl and call him elephant-ears, like some of the kids do.” Dad began to answer but was interrupted by his cell phone.

Andy stared when he spied the birthday cake in the cupboard. “Super!” he exclaimed. He grinned and gave his mother a hug. “What’s for dinner?” “Your favourites,” replied Mom. “Fried chicken, including drumsticks, sushi...” “Wow! Super dinner,” said Andy. “Let’s eat!”

After they ate, Andy again exclaimed over the super chicken, super sushi, super everything, especially the super cake. Mom laughed. “I’m glad you liked it,” she said. “Now...” She handed him a package. “Ready to open your gift?”

“Yes!” Andy eagerly pulled off the wrapping paper. “Super! My very own binoculars!” he exclaimed. Andy took them out of the case and peered through them. “This is a super good gift! Thanks, Mom and Dad!”

“You’re welcome, my son,” said Dad. He smiled, then added, “You like that word super, don’t you? Do you know what it means?” “Yes, it means extra special,” replied Andy. Dad nodded. “That’s right and it also means ‘above the natural.’ That’s what God wants His children to be – supernatural” said Dad.

“How can we be supernatural?” asked Andy. “We’re just human, you know.”

“Well,” said Dad, “when you came in, you were angry because Carl called you carrot-top, remember? You felt like getting even. That’s natural. But... what would be supernatural?”

“Forgiving him, I guess,” replied Andy with a sigh. “That would be hard to do.”

“Yes,” agreed Dad, “but God can help you. Like I said, He wants all His children to be supernatural.” Dad stood up. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go outside now and I’ll show you how to adjust those super binoculars.”

Thought: Do you feel like getting even with someone? Are you tempted to push back when you have been pushed?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to love even my enemies. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.