APRIL 24, Ephesians 4:32 

Ben hurried eagerly into the supermarket with his mother and older brother. He led the way to the aisle that was filled with different kinds of candy and gum. They were going to pick out treats for him to take to his class the next day.

“How many are in your class?” asked his brother, Eric. Ben shrugged. “There are 42, counting Ben and his teacher,” Mom told them. Ben picked up a package of candy. “Can I get this kind?” he asked.

“Okay, but... let’s see,” said Mom, reading the back of the package.

“We’ll need three bags of these. It says there are only twenty pieces in one bag.” “Two bags will do” said Ben. “Think again, Ben,” advised Eric. “40 isn’t enough for 42 people.” “I’m not taking one for Steven and Kok Leong,” declared Ben. “They’re mean and I don’t like them.”

“Ben,” said Mom, “you can’t take treats unless you take them for everybody. You must share with Steven and Kok Leong, too.” Ben scowled. “I told you... I don’t like them,” he said stubbornly. Mom looked at him sternly. “You’re getting treats to pass out on Children’s Day, remember? That’s supposed to be about kindness, Ben,” she said quietly. She pointed to the candy display. “Either get some for Steven and Kok Leong, too, or put all of it back.”

Slowly, Ben reached out and picked up another bag of candy. “Well, okay,” he said. “They can have some, but I’ll... I’ll...” He tried to think of a way to spoil the treat for Steven and Kok Leong. “I’ll look mad when I give it to them,” decided Ben.

“Doesn’t sound very loving to me,” observed Eric. “The Bible verse I learned in Sunday school last week says that if we’re living for God, we should be kind to everyone, not just people we like.”

“Does that mean I have to smile when I give them candy?” asked Ben. He made a face. “They probably won’t even say thank you.” “Maybe not,” said Eric, “but I think you should smile real friendly – like when you give it to them.”

“I think so, too,” agreed Mom. “And I’m sure God agrees!”

Thought: Is it hard to be kind to a person who is not nice to you?

Prayer: Teach me, Heavenly Father, to be kind to all. Thank You for today’s verse that reminds me to be kind and forgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.