Transformed – teen devotion – August 22, 2021
In this series we’ll look at some of the struggles that we have that we endure silently, secretly. We struggle secretly and alone. What does God’s Word say to us in our darkness and trouble?
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Drama
Ever feel like your life could be a television series?
You could probably look at some of the drama that you have experienced in your life and write up some interesting episodes. Maybe some of them would look like this:
Season 3 Episode 7: I learned my friend was a drug dealer.
Season 4 Episode 3: Word got out that my classmates were sleeping together.
Season 4 Episode 4: Word got out that my classmate was pregnant.
Season 7 Episode 2: My brother got caught stealing. Again.
If you are creative enough, you might be able to go ahead and write some scripts based on some of the things you have experienced. But before you go down that route, it is good to think about how God would have you respond to drama-filled situations that come up in life.
It is easy to make light of the situation and laugh at those who are causing the drama or getting into trouble.
You might become more popular for a moment if you draw attention to other peoples’ drama and gossip about it.
You might feel good about your own drama when you compare it to the people around you.
But what does God call you to do? He calls you to love people, even when they are in a difficult place. After all, that is exactly what he did for you. He could have laughed at your fall into sin. He could have made fun of you for your mistakes. He could have proven how holy he is compared to your unholiness.
But God chose to love you instead. He sent Jesus to die and rise again as the proof of his love.
So what can you do when drama rises up in the people around you? Take your cue from 1 Corinthians 13:6-7. Compelled by Christ’s love for you, love one another.
Prayer: Dear Father, forgive me for the times I delight in the misfortune of others. Thank you for the love and forgiveness you gave to me in Christ. May I be compelled by his love to befriend and help people whose decisions have created some drama. Amen.
