Faithful Friend

Read: Luke 10:30-35; John 15:12-13 As Victoria stepped off the school bus, she caught a glimpse of her best friend—at least, her best friend in elementary school—staring stonily out the window. Now part of the popular group, Melissa didn’t even look at Victoria. She hadn’t even seemed to notice her the whole first week of middle school. Inside, Victoria slipped off her backpack and slumped on the couch. She stared around at her house, then at her shoes, still scuffed from last year. If only I had a new wardrobe and lived in one of those big houses like the other kids, she thought. Just then, the sound of gravel crunching announced that Mom had pulled in. Victoria headed outside to help get Dad out of the van. As she pushed his wheelchair up the ramp, Victoria looked back at her tired mother, her arms loaded with groceries. Victoria’s throat tightened as she realized how loyal her mother was, choosing to care for a husband who’d never walk or talk again. If only Melissa were as faithful to her friends, she thought. As they dried dishes that night, Victoria told Mom about her first week back at school. “How’s Melissa?” Mom asked. “I haven’t heard anything about her yet.” Victoria’s face fell. “Melissa doesn’t talk to me anymore.” Mom studied her. “What happened?” “I don’t know. She hasn’t spoken to me once since school started. She walks past me with her friends like I’m a stranger.” Mom placed a mug in the cupboard. “I’m so sorry, honey.” Victoria lowered her voice so Dad wouldn’t hear. “I keep wishing Melissa were as good a person as you are, Mom. You stayed with Dad after the accident, and you’ve never once complained.” Mom’s eyes grew moist. “I haven’t always been so loyal, honey. In fact, when I was younger, I treated a friend just like Melissa’s treating you now.” Victoria stared at her. “How’d you change?” “By realizing that Jesus would never stop loving me. Once I accepted His love—love that made Him willing to die for my sins—I was able to love others the way He did; not for what they offered, but for who they were.” She put an arm around Victoria. “Jesus’s love never fails, and you can share His love with Melissa by showing her you’ll always be her faithful friend.” –Rebekah Love Dorris How about you? Have you ever been rejected by a friend? Not much is as painful as wondering why someone who once loved you no longer does. While you can’t force someone to like you again, you can pray for them and help them know the unfailing love of Jesus. He knows how it feels to be rejected, but He never stops loving us. Trust Him to help you be a faithful friend like Him. Today’s key verse: Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NKJV) Today’s key thought: Love others like Jesus