"Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth." –1 John 3:18
Caleb, a small quiet boy who was new to his school, was invited to an FCA game night. The time came to pick teams for basketball and two of the school’s top athletes chose sides. Bryan, a great athlete, looked for people just like him. Josh was a great athlete as well, but had another plan.
Jesus chose all kinds of people—not always the biggest, best looking, and strongest—to carry out His work. One such man was Zacchaeus. The Bible tells us he was a little man, so small he had to climb a tree to see Jesus. As the Lord passed by Zacchaeus, He stopped and chose him to spend time with. Jesus did not just say He loved others; He showed it every day.
As Josh looked over the boys, Caleb thought, Can he pick a guy like me or even notice me? Josh’s first pick was Caleb. He walked toward Josh who smiled and said, “You will help us win it all tonight!” Josh knew his pick may not help his team win, but it would help Caleb fit in with the new group.
Josh wanted not only to say he cared about someone else, but also to show it. Caleb just wanted to fit in and feel accepted. Josh knew, like Jesus, that talk is cheap, and showing love and kindness to others will make the difference!
1. Do you ever feel like the odd man out?
2. Has someone ever come alongside you when you felt alone?
3. How can you apply His love by showing it more than saying it?
John 13:1-17; 1 John 4:9
Lord, help me be more like Josh in this story. Open my eyes to what You are doing around me and help me identify ways in which I can build others up. Show me someone who feels left out so I can extend Your love to them. Use me, Lord. Amen.