Key Bible Verse: "Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). Bonus Reading: Romans 13:8-10

When I was in fifth grade, nobody hung out with two boys: Ted, a geek who wore thick glasses, talked with a high-pitched voice, and wasn't very athletic; and Johnny, who was overweight and older, because he'd failed fifth grade twice.

One spring day our teacher sent Ted and Johnny out of the room on an errand. Then she said to the class, "Before recess twice a day, you choose sides for kickball; and every time Ted and Johnny are selected last. Why not try something different? Why not do for them what you'd want them to do for you?"

The next day, I was captain for one of the kickball teams. If I close my eyes, I can still see the joyful surprise on Ted's face when I chose him first for my team. And I'll never forget the excited expression on Johnny's face when the other captain selected him first.

Was this a big thing? No. We'd merely treated them with dignity and respect. And that's all we need to decide to do as we encounter waiters and cashiers, blue-collar laborers and white-collar executives, neighbors and friends, children and parents, people in trouble or just muddling through life. As we do, they'll be impacted. And so will we.

—Lee Strobel in God's Outrageous Claims

My Response: This is Lee's clearest memory from fifth grade. I think that's because …

Thought to Apply: Love stretches your heart and makes you big inside.—MARGARET WALKER (African American poet)

Adapted from God's Outrageous Claims (Zondervan, 1997, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, I'm on the receiving end of Your grace big time! Help me to dish it out to others.

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