Bible Reading: Romans 12:18-21

James was quiet as the plane rolled down the runway. “Nervous?” asked Dad.

“No,” said James. “Well, not about the flight. I was thinking about something you said. Are you sure everyone has luggage they carry in their lives? Even bullies?”

Dad nodded. “Bullies often have the heaviest life luggage of all. It’s filled with rocks of hurt, sadness, and anger they can’t seem to get rid of.”

“But then why is Dylan–I mean, bullies–so mean?”

“Remember in the airport when you wanted someone to carry your luggage for you?” asked Dad. “Well, we can get so tired of dragging our life luggage around by ourselves that we try to push our rocks onto others.”

“I try to be nice to Dylan, but when I do, he just gets meaner! Yesterday I asked if he wanted some help, and he called me a–well, it wasn’t very nice.”

“Some people haven’t been shown how to be kind,” said Dad. “Dylan is probably afraid of looking weak. He probably feels stronger when he acts mean.”

James looked down. “Dad, sometimes when Dylan is mean, I just want to get back at him by making him feel bad too.”

Dad nodded. “I know a lot of adults who hurt others back instead of learning how to love them better. Two bullies won’t change anything.” Dad squeezed James’s shoulder. “I’ll call the school when we get back and tell them what’s happening with Dylan. In the meantime, you can give your anger and hurt to–”

“I know!” James interrupted. “My luggage carrier!” Dad nodded and gave James a high five. “You know, Dad,” said James, “Dylan probably doesn’t know that Jesus wants to be his luggage carrier too.”

“You might be right,” Dad said as the plane took off. “He needs someone to tell him–and to pray for him too. He also needs to see God’s love in action–someone who will continue to show him kindness, even though he’s mean in return. Maybe someday, with prayer and persistence, that will change.”

Just then, something in the compartment above their heads shifted with a loud THUD! A woman in the row behind them gasped. “What was that?”

James tried to swallow his laugh. “Probably the rock from our backyard!”

–Kelly Carlson

How About You?
Do you ever want to hurt someone who is hurting you? It’s natural to want revenge, but that’s not what Jesus wants you to do. If you’re being bullied or hurt by someone, it’s important to tell a trusted adult who can help with the situation. But don’t let your hurt and anger take over–give your burden to Jesus, and trust Him to help you respond to that person with His love.

Today’s Key Verse:
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (NIV) (Matthew 5:44)

Today’s Key Thought:
Love those who hurt you