Listen

Therefore, you should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you; this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

Think

Jesus ate, talked, and helped sinners and outcasts. He spent his life spreading love and teaching others to spread love. In doing this, Jesus wants us to build a world without hatred and full of acceptance and love.

At any school, you are going to see people who disrespect others. It’s sad to see so many people being shamed and outcast for their appearances, customs, and beliefs. These material things didn’t stop Jesus from turning the other cheek, spreading the word, and even dying for our sins. He healed lepers, ate with tax collectors, and went against the Pharisees to do what was true and loving.

So as we return to school, we should stay away from gossip, hate-centered media, and peer pressure, and instead strive to follow Jesus’ golden rule. We can treat others the way we want to be treated by helping others in need and being accessible for others, by adapting our attitude and worldview. With just kindness in our hearts, we can help the world piece by piece.

Claire McAllister

Pray

God, help me to not give in to peer pressure and gossip. Give me the patience to respect those who do not respect me. Grant me the strength to help others be loving, and let me grow in love and kindness towards others. Amen.

Go

God of Grace, be the light that guides us.

God of Peace, be the strength that carries us.

God of Love, be the tie that binds us.

Together.