~ God's Children ~

[Lani]

Read Luke 10:25-37 http://www.christianityoasis.com/bible/ ... ld_lookup=

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven."

"A heated discussion was going on in the church parking lot. I wanted to leave, so I tried to slip past my friends.

"Come Here" they called. "Answer a question."

"Who are God's Children?" one asked, continuing, "All are God's children and made in God's image. Some get lost and decide not to follow God, but God still loves them."

The other said, "We are not all God's children. Unbelieving, sinful people can't be God's Children. My mother has brought hurt to everyone her life ever touched. She isn't a child of God."

"I stood there unsure what to say. 'Help me, Lord! I prayed. Suddenly I knew what to say. "I guess it's not important."

"Not Important? they asked in surprise.

"I can't now who all the children of God are, but I know I am to treat each person I meet as one of God's beloved children. Jesus said to love even our enemies and to pray for those who hurt us."

My friend with the hurtful mother started to cry. Then we prayed together."

Prayer: "Heavenly Father, help us to treat everyone as your child, even those who hurt us. Then everyone will know we belong to you. Amen."

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who don't know Christ Yet

Thought for the Day: "Our loving ways can make people want to know God better."



Story shared by: S. Boltz (OH)
Source: UpperRoom Daily Devotional 6/9/11