Matthew 18:1 At that moment the talmidim came to Yeshua and asked, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 2 He called a child to him, stood him among them, 3 and said, “Yes! I tell you that unless you change and become like little children, you won’t even enter the Kingdom of Heaven! 4 So the greatest in the Kingdom is whoever makes himself as humble as this child. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me;
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Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.[Matthew 5:44-45 (NRSV)]
One day, my young daughter came home from school and told me, “My best friend is going to throw a birthday party, and she has already given out the invitations.” I asked her whether she was invited. She answered, “No. My friend said she forgot to invite me. But it’s OK.” Without sadness or apparent disappointment, she chatted happily about school.
I remembered my own disappointment and anger when one of my co-workers did not invite me to her birthday party. I resented her for that.
But Jesus reminds us that we should change and become like little children. My daughter’s response was a strong example of the attitude Jesus wants us to have. She did not take offense and did not dwell on her friend’s mistake. Often we are unable to do these simple things, so we fill the world with revenge, murder, and war. Inspired by my daughter’s example, I knelt down and prayed for God’s forgiveness and guidance.
Read more from the author, here.
One day, my young daughter came home from school and told me, “My best friend is going to throw a birthday party, and she has already given out the invitations.” I asked her whether she was invited. She answered, “No. My friend said she forgot to invite me. But it’s OK.” Without sadness or apparent disappointment, she chatted happily about school.
I remembered my own disappointment and anger when one of my co-workers did not invite me to her birthday party. I resented her for that.
But Jesus reminds us that we should change and become like little children. My daughter’s response was a strong example of the attitude Jesus wants us to have. She did not take offense and did not dwell on her friend’s mistake. Often we are unable to do these simple things, so we fill the world with revenge, murder, and war. Inspired by my daughter’s example, I knelt down and prayed for God’s forgiveness and guidance.
Read more from the author, here.
More from Amy Sutikdja
When I was in Junior High School, our religion teacher introduced us to Saat Teduh, the Indonesian version of The Upper Room. We could buy it with only Rp 500 (then worth $1 or so) every other month. I read it almost every day, but as soon as I went to another school I forgot about it.
Years later I migrated to Germany and met my old school friend, Julie, on social media. She lives in Amsterdam, only three hours drive from where I live. Julie, who is a loyal reader of Saat Teduh, buys the devotional through her church in Amsterdam and faithfully sends one copy to me every two months. I once again reconnected with The Upper Room.
Julie was also the one who encouraged me to share my experiences with other people. She knows that I have a passion for writing but am shy about sharing my thoughts. With Julie’s encouragement and God’s guidance I finally finished my first piece of writing in English. As I wrote this short blog, I realized that God works in a strange way to make things happen.[Amy Sutikdja, Pictured above: Amy (right) and her friend Julie]
When I was in Junior High School, our religion teacher introduced us to Saat Teduh, the Indonesian version of The Upper Room. We could buy it with only Rp 500 (then worth $1 or so) every other month. I read it almost every day, but as soon as I went to another school I forgot about it.Years later I migrated to Germany and met my old school friend, Julie, on social media. She lives in Amsterdam, only three hours drive from where I live. Julie, who is a loyal reader of Saat Teduh, buys the devotional through her church in Amsterdam and faithfully sends one copy to me every two months. I once again reconnected with The Upper Room.
Julie was also the one who encouraged me to share my experiences with other people. She knows that I have a passion for writing but am shy about sharing my thoughts. With Julie’s encouragement and God’s guidance I finally finished my first piece of writing in English. As I wrote this short blog, I realized that God works in a strange way to make things happen.[Amy Sutikdja, Pictured above: Amy (right) and her friend Julie]
The Author: Amy Sutikdja (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Thought for the Day: Jesus, our example, forgave those who hurt him.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to follow your teachings. As you forgive us, help us forgive those who have hurt us. Amen.
Prayer focus: For my enemies
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