Love One Another
READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
At the basketball game Friday night, Jamie was playing a very good game. She had been getting most of the baskets in. The game was tied. There were ten seconds to go. Rebecca threw Jamie the ball, and as the buzzer went off, the ball bounced off the rim of the hoop. After the game, Jamie felt very bad. Jackie saw Jamie in the hallway and saw she was looking down, and Jackie knew immediately what was wrong.
"You played a good game, Jamie. You shouldn't feel bad about one basket. I'm sure you'll do better next time. God didn't want it to happen right now. I guess it just wasn't meant to be THIS TIME," Jackie said.
Jamie looked up, smiled and said, "Thanks, Jackie, I really needed that right now."
In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, it tells us to build up each other in Christ, just as Jackie helped Jamie feel better after the game. We should cheer each other on and strengthen each other up through Jesus. We should pray for one another, comfort each other and just be there when someone needs to talk.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Why do we get down on ourselves when we know we're good at something, but came up short? What might we say or do for a friend whose down? How does a good listener act?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask God for courage and strength to build up those who are down. Pray that they would benefit from reminders of all the Lord has done for them.