AUGUST 17, Colossians 3:12

The alarm clock rang. Sally hid under the blanket, wishing she did not have to go to school. Her family had moved to Singapore a year ago, but she still could not fit in at school. Her classmates laughed at the way she spoke English. Whenever there were group activities, no one wanted her in their group. Everyday, she ate alone. Nothing was going to change, ever.

Well, there was one thing different today. Sally’s teacher was sick, so their class would be joining Mrs Lee’s class.

“Today, we will be doing a project in pairs. Everyone, go and find a partner,” said Mrs Lee.

Sally’s heart sank. She watched as the students quickly paired up, laughing and chattering away. Soon, she would be the only one left, as usual. She then saw that a girl from the other class was looking at her thoughtfully. Sally quickly looked down, embarrassed that someone had noticed she was alone. She was so focused on looking down that she jumped when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Hello, you’re Sally, right? I’m Emma. Would you like to be my partner?” said the girl from the other class.

Sally gasped. All she knew about Emma was that she was always surrounded by friends, and she was a Christian. Why would Emma want to partner her? “Are you sure?” stammered Sally.

“Yes, I’m sure! I know we will make a great team,” said Emma. In no time, the girls got to know each other as they worked on the project. It felt as if they had always been friends.

“Want to eat lunch together later?” said Emma, after they had completed the project.

“Oh, yes! Thank you so much,” exclaimed Sally, smiling. An act of kindness had changed everything.

Showing kindness means helping and caring for others. You can show kindness in little ways, like saying an encouraging word, or doing something for your family or classmates. Showing kindness is part of bearing a good Christian testimony.

Thought: As I have received the kindness of God, may I show kindness to others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be kind to someone today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.