Standing Up For Others

Standing Up for Others

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

Tears filled my daughter Jasmine’s eyes as she casually said that some girls on the bus had been saying unkind things to her and that it had been going on for some time. She shrugged her shoulders as if to brush off the comments like they didn’t matter, but we could all see that they did.

My sons were in the living room with us, listening as Jasmine explained how often it had been happening lately, almost daily. I immediately felt sadness mixed with anger as I saw how hurt she was by their careless words. Before I could say anything, my son Donnie spoke up. “Why don’t I ride the bus with Jasmine tomorrow?” he said. “I’ll stand up for Jasmine when those girls say something again.” I smiled at his indignation and the protective way he spoke about Jasmine.

“Thank you for offering, buddy,” I said. “But I don’t think you’d be able to ride the bus with Jasmine since you don’t attend her school.” Instead, we talked about another way that Jasmine could handle the girls on the bus, starting with telling the bus driver about her concerns and making a plan for the future.

Afterward, we were able to have a conversation with our children about the love that we feel for one another, especially when one of us is going through a hard time, and how it mirrors Jesus’ love. Because of his sacrifice, we are free to love others and give up our lives for one another too. Jesus is the perfect friend, and when I remember he laid his life down for me, I can lay down mine for others.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Stand in the gap for a friend who is going through a hard time—whether with your time, words, or resources.