Time To Learn
TIME TO LEARN
Read Galatians 5:22–6:1.
As Alexa helped her mother clear the table and put food away after dinner one evening, she said, “There’s something I’m confused about. Courtney acts like she’s better than some kids at school, and she says mean things to them,” replied Alexa. “She told me she accepted Jesus as her Savior recently, but if she really did, she should be nicer.”
As Alexa loaded the dishwasher, her gray kitten jumped up on the counter, causing a big mess. “Coco! Get down!” scolded Alexa, and Coco jumped down. “Now I have to clean up this mess!” Alexa sputtered. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t even have a cat. He can be such a pain!” grumbled Alexa as she wiped the counter. When she finished, she stomped outside and sat down on the porch.
Mom joined her. “Still mad at your kitten?” asked Mom. “Do you want to give Coco away?”
Alexa shook her head. She picked up Coco and stroked his soft fur. “I can’t expect you to know all the rules yet. You’re still a baby, so I’m not going to give up on you.”
Mom slipped an arm around Alexa. “That’s right,” she said. “You need to teach him the rules. And you have to be patient with him.” Mom paused, then added, “I’m sure you don’t really want to give Courtney away either.”
Alexa looked puzzled. “Give Courtney away? What do you mean?”
“I mean you don’t want to give up on her,” said Mom. “She’s a baby too—a ‘babe in Christ.’ She needs time to learn from God’s Word. Be patient with her and help her learn those things.”
“But how can I help her learn?” asked Alexa.
“Be a good friend and teach her by your example,” suggested Mom. “Invite her to Bible club for good Bible teaching and to meet other Christian kids.”
Alexa grinned. “Sounds like a plan,” she said. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you expect too much from others? Remember that one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. As you pray for new Christians, also be patient with them.
TO MEMORIZE:
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23
BE PATIENT WITH NEW CHRISTIANS.
From the book
