Kids Bible Devotional for December 10, 2024
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Focus Verse
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. (NKJV)
Jump Start
Growing up, I used to love to watch Bugs Bunny cartoons every Saturday morning. Every so often, they played clips of Mac and Tosh, the two polite gophers. They were always to overly friendly and respectful to one other. You know, right until they walloped the half-witted hound with one of their tricks.
The Bible stresses the importance of treating one another with respect. If someone has been blessed, we rejoice, even if we have not. If they cry, we cry with them, even if we’re happy. We put others above ourselves. This is what Jesus did. In many passages, we find that Jesus was moved with compassion. Soon after, we find Him acting in empathetic ways that usually resulted in a miracle.
Today's Devotion
Scarlett moped out of the play auditions. Her mother noticed.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Mom asked.
“Isabella got the main part. I’m only her back up,” Scarlett replied. “This means I have to learn all her lines, but I don’t get to act them out in front of everyone. In the actual play, I’ll only have a few lines during one of the crowd scenes.”
“I know you’re disappointed, Scarlett. But you had the lead part in last year’s production. So, I guess it’s someone else’s turn.”
“It’s not fair!” Scarlett slumped into a chair. “I’m a better actor than Isabella.”
“I think you’re looking at this the wrong way, Scarlett,” Mom said.
Scarlett looked up at her mother, her eyes welled with tears. “What do you mean?”
“This isn’t about what’s fair or who’s better. It’s about involving others. You got to experience being the lead actress last year. Now, Isabella gets a turn. If I recall, your backup last year was the lead from the previous play. What did she do?”
“She helped me practice my lines,” Scarlett said.
“Did you find that it helped you?”
“Oh my, yes!” Scarlett exclaimed. “She was very good. She taught me how to get over my nervousness.”
“Then maybe that’s what you’re supposed to do this year,” Mom said. “Help Isabella with her part. Share with her what your understudy shared with you last year. Help Isabella be the best she can be.”
“She’s already asked to get together,” Scarlett said. “Maybe she can come over to our house this weekend?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Mom commented. “I’ll know Isabella’s mom. I’ll give her a call later to get her permission.”
Wrap Up
In today’s society, we are taught to love yourself. Put yourself first. Get what you want out of life regardless of how it might affect someone else. But Jesus says to love your neighbor as yourself. Even love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them that mistreat you.
This makes no sense to our rationale minds. But there is power in humility. It’s hard to hold grudges with people for whom you pray blessings. In the end, it’s you that really gets blessed.
Jesus always put others before Himself. He served even His own betrayers. Now, that’s what strength and bravery really look like.
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