Invite Someone Along

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

“Does Maren want to go too?” Stella asked Emerson. “I don’t want anyone to be left out.”

The two girls had spent the summer morning playing at Emerson’s house and decided to ride their bikes over to Stella’s home for the afternoon. They were busy searching in the mudroom for Emerson’s unicorn bike helmet when Stella asked if Emerson’s little sister Maren might want to go with them.

“Sure,” Emerson agreed. Attaching the front strap of her helmet, she turned to holler up the stairs. “Maren, do you want to go with us?” she asked.

“Yes! Just a second,” Maren said. She clattered down the stairs, feet thumping as she raced to slide on her flip-flops and catch up with the two older girls.

Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt watching the two older girls wanting to include the younger one? Philippians reminds us to be unselfish and think about the needs of others instead of focusing on ourselves or trying to impress. The two older girls didn’t have to include a little sister. Because Maren was upstairs, they could have easily slipped quietly out of the house, no one the wiser. Instead, they genuinely wanted to be friendly and kind. Their actions were a reminder that the love and care we show for others in our friendships is a reflection of our character. When we model the love and grace Jesus showed, it’s evident to those who are listening and watching from the outside as well.

Things to Think About

• Think of a time when you were included in an unexpected way. How did it make you feel?
• What are some ways you could include someone you normally don’t hang out with in your regular activities?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

The next time you spend time with a friend, intentionally ask someone else (such as an older or younger sibling or a neighbor) if he or she would also like to play with the two of you.