THINK TOGETHER.
Have you ever seen a trial in real life or on TV? What happens in a courtroom?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 18:17. The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
Have you ever seen a TV show or movie that takes place in a courtroom? In a courtroom you have two sides who disagree. Maybe one of them is being accused of a crime. Or maybe it's just two people who have a conflict to resolve. What is supposed to happen in that courtroom? Both sides get a chance to tell their side of the story, don't they? If they don't both get to state their case, then we would call that unjust, or unfair.
This doesn't only apply to courtrooms though, does it? Solomon is talking about only hearing one side of a story. That can happen in the classroom, at home, or with your friends. Sometimes a teacher or a parent might only listen to one side of a story. Or maybe you listen to gossip, which is one side of a story. Solomon says that this is wrong and foolish. We must always hear both sides before making a judgment about someone or something that happened.
Let me pause hear and give you a warning. As you get older you will likely spend more time looking at the news or at social media. But much of what you hear and read in the news and on social media is only one side of a story. Whoever speaks first (or loudest) is often believed. Rarely do people take the time to find out what actually happened. They just believe the first thing that they hear or see.
But that is not love. Love listens to both sides. Love takes the time to find out what happened. Love gives an equal chance for both sides to speak and explain, not just the person that we like more. Because God loves us he always listens to everyone, both sides. We too must listen, examine, and ask questions in order to find out the truth. We must be fair like Jesus, and aim to love everyone the same just as he loves all of us the same, and listens to us all.
Because of Jesus God will always hear our side of the story.
With Jesus we can be fair and listen to both sides of a story.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Watch a courtroom drama scene together (Mrs. Doubtfire might have a family-friendly courtroom scene). Talk about how both sides get to state their case. This is the love and justice that God asks for from us.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, I want to be fair like you. Help me to always listen before judging. Amen.
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