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Kid's

The Last Words

Bible Reading: James 3:7-10, 13-18

"I hate you!" yelled Julie as she ran out of the house. She was glad to see the school bus coming around the corner, and she climbed on quickly before her mother had a chance to call her back. I suppose I'll get grounded or something when I get home from school, she thought, but I don't care!

Whenever Julie's anger began to fade throughout the day, she would feed it bitter thoughts-she didn't want to lose it. Why does Mom always say no to fun things? she grumbled to herself when she felt her anger weakening. Why can't she be like Amy's mother? Her mom lets her do anything.

At lunch time Julie scowled. Thanking God for her food didn't fit her mood, so she skipped it. Frowning, she pulled her favorite sandwich from her lunchbox. Tucked in the sandwich bag was a note, "Julie, I love you. Mom." Julie felt a bit ashamed-but not too much. Mom just wrote that because she feels guilty for not letting me go to Kelly's party, she reminded herself.

By the time school was dismissed, Julie had written a long list of complaints to present to her mother. She had to have something to justify her angry words that morning. She was looking at the list when the school bus approached her street and slowed to a stop.

As Julie stood up to leave, she heard sirens scream, and a fire engine roared past the bus. It turned onto Julie's street, and a few minutes later she saw that its lights were flashing in front of her house. Terror gripped her, and she stumbled a little as she ran wildly up the street. Is our house on fire? Where's Mom? she wondered frantically.

Julie's eyes searched the group of people who were gathering there. Oh, there's Mom, she thought with relief. Her mother was standing on the edge of the lawn, watching the firemen pour water onto the burning storage building behind the house. Sobbing, Julie ran into her mother's arms. "Oh, Mom," she whispered, "I'm sorry for the way I acted! I love you!"

Memorize:

"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." Proverbs 21:23

How About You?
Have you left home with sharp words and anger between you and someone in your family? Do you feed those feelings with bitter thoughts? That's what Satan wants you to do. With God's help, make up your mind to say only words you wouldn't regret if they were the last words you'd ever say to someone. When the words you use please God, you'll be happier, too.

Key Thought of the Day: Use words that please God

Today's Keys for Kids is provided courtesy of CBH Ministries. Archives of Keys for Kids are available at the Children's Bible Hour Ministries website.