Day 25, so Proverbs 25... Verse 14 (GNT):
"People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain."
You agree to lend a classmate a blue pencil to finish a drawing. Your friend thanks you and waits. But you get distracted and forget to bring it. The thanks have already been given; the pencil has not arrived. The proverb reminds us that a beautiful promise does not put what someone needs into their hands.
If you realize you forgot or lost the pencil, you can tell the truth and ask an adult for help. Perhaps you can share other materials or agree on another solution. You do not need to invent an excuse or promise something bigger to hide what happened. You can also say respectfully when you have nothing to lend.
Jesus loves you before you get anything right, even when you forget an agreement or need forgiveness. His love is not a prize for keeping every promise perfectly. Jesus promised his disciples the Father's gift and, after rising from death, gave the Holy Spirit. We can trust him and learn to care for people truthfully.
Adults need to help children make realistic agreements and resolve difficulties without humiliation. If someone promised to care for you and you did not receive the care you needed, tell a trusted adult; if the first does not help, find another. It is not your job to resolve adults' commitments or problems.
Golden phrase: "My help needs to arrive, and I can tell the truth."