22 September | Teens
«I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine [b]just persons who need no repentance. » Luke 15: 7
Jesus told people lots of stories. Is it or isn't it nice to hear a good story? And each story Jesus told had a meaning, a lesson He wanted to teach us. One of His stories, which are called “parables”, was about a lost sheep. He told it like this: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” In the same way, God is happier when one sinner repents than for 99 righteous people who don't need to repent anymore.
This story shows us how important each person is to God. It shows that God doesn't want anyone to be lost or left behind. It shows God's love and concern for each one of us. And just like the shepherd in the story, God doesn't give up on anyone. He is always looking for us, wanting us to be safe and close to Him. And if God doesn't give up on anyone, we shouldn't give up on the people around us either.
Take Action
Send a message to someone you haven't seen for a long time at church. It can be as simple as, “Hi, how are you? I miss you!” This small action can make a big difference in that person's life and show that they are important to God and to you, too.