That Thing You Do
LOVE IS RIGHT BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.
Bible Reading of the Day: Read Psalm 145:8-13.
Verse of the Day: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV).
“Hey,” Joey said, “do that again!” Joey sat at Bridget’s table in science class. Joey also lived two houses from Bridget’s house and sometimes played with her brother. “Do what again?” asked Bridget.
“You just did something with your mouth,” Joey explained. “I’ve seen somebody else do that. Who is it?” he said, tapping his forehead as if he were trying to jar the memory loose from his brain.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Bridget said.
That evening at dinner, Bridget told her parents and brother about her conversation with Joey. As she talked, Mom and Dad exchanged smiles. “What’s so funny?” Bridget asked.
“We know exactly what Joey was talking about, don’t we, dear?” Mom said to Dad.
Dad chuckled and nodded. “Joey’s probably seen your brother do the same thing.”
“What?” Bridget demanded. “Will somebody please tell me what you’re talking about?”
“Actually, your father does it too,” Mom added. “It’s a little mannerism you got from your father. Sometimes when you chew or smile a certain way, your lip curls slightly; sort of an Elvis Presley kind of thing.”
“No! Really?” Bridget said, laughing. “I do that too? I’ve seen Dad and Eli do it, but I didn’t know I do it too.”
Dad nodded. “I’ve had people tell me they knew you were my daughter because they saw you do that,” he said.
“That reminds me of a Bible verse,” Mom said.
“Oh, Mom,” Eli complained. “Everything reminds you of a Bible verse.”
Mom paid no attention to Eli’s complaint, but turned to John 13:35. She read: ‘”By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ That’s one trait I hope you’ll both inherit from your Father—your heavenly Father.”
“That’s right,” Dad said. “In fact, nothing would make your mom and me happier than to have you kids reflect God’s nature the way your lip shows people that you’re my kids!”
Bridget tried to stifle a giggle but couldn’t. The others at the table pointed at her. “See!” Dad said. “You’re doing it again!”
TO DO: On a sheet of paper, write the names of three or four people you see every day. Write beside each name at least one action you can take to show love to that person this week. Copy John 13:35 at the bottom and keep the paper in your pocket or purse as a reminder to love those people.
TO PRAY: “Lord, we want to show love for others in practical ways. Show us what to do this week.”