A Fair Chance
A FAIR CHANCE
Read Matthew 7:1-5.
“There was a new girl in our class today,” Maria announced at dinner. “I don’t like her, though. She’s a snob. She sits just like this.” Maria turned her nose up, pushed her shoulders back, and sat very straight. “When Debi asked her if she wanted to jump rope with us, she said, ‘No, thank you,’ so prissy.”
“Hmmm,” murmured Mom as she passed the chicken. “Aren’t you judging a little prematurely?”
Dad peered at the breaded chicken. “What is this?”
“A new recipe,” said Mom.
“I don’t want any,” stated five-year-old Matteo. “I don’t like it.”
Maria laughed. “You’ve never tasted it,” she said.
“I want you to try it,” said Dad. “Take two bites, Matteo.”
Matteo looked at his mom. “You heard your dad,” she said. “Two bites.” Matteo put a tiny bit on his spoon.
Matteo grimaced as he put the spoon to his mouth. He chewed and swallowed. “It is good!” he exclaimed.
Mom looked at Maria. “You are acting about the new girl just like Matteo did about the chicken. You need to give her a fair chance.”
The next day Maria came in from school. “Guess what, Mom? I do like Latrice,” she said. “She sits like she does because she wears a back brace. That’s why she couldn’t jump rope. She just didn’t want to tell anybody.”
Mom smiled. “I’m glad you gave her a fair chance,” she said.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you afraid to try new things or meet new people? If you judge them on the basis of first impressions, you may miss some wonderful experiences. Determine now to give everyone you meet a fair chance to be your friend.
TO MEMORIZE:
Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37
GIVE PEOPLE A FAIR CHANCE.
From the book
