Stand Up For Others

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

“That school is so bad.”

“Yeah. Only kids who get in trouble go there.”

As her community-wide sports team warmed up for practice, Elena overheard kids talking about how awful one of the schools in their district was. Her heart sank as she listened, unsure what to do. They were talking about the school she attended. She knew why they were talking about her school, and she’d heard others’ comments before. Her school was very diverse. Some people thought that was a problem, but Elena loved her school and the other students. She had many good friends and was hurt that others would think so poorly of them.

With a sigh, Elena finally decided that today she wanted to speak up. “I go to that school,” she said.

The others looked a little embarrassed and listened as she told them one of the reasons she liked her school. They nodded with new understanding. One student even apologized, saying they didn’t know.

Afterward, Elena felt good that she had stood up for her school and her friends. She knew that, at that moment, she had done the right thing. She had shared the truth honestly without anger. It made the other kids consider what they had been saying and how it might be hurtful to others.

We all make thoughtless comments from time to time. Watching what we say is important when it comes to friendship. We want to speak words that are wise and bring healing to others, not words that cut others down. A valuable trait of a friend is to be trustworthy in what we say and the way that we stand up for what is right.

Things to Think About

• Have you had an experience where you had to choose to stand up for someone else? What happened?
• What do you think it means to be wise with your words and not to be cutting in your remarks?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

The next time you notice someone using cutting words to a friend or acquaintance, use your words wisely to stand up for that person.