Standing on Your Own

Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!

Hebrews 4:15 (CEV)

“But everyone else is doing it!”

Even if it is wrong, even if you don’t really want to do something your friends are doing, sometimes you give in because you don’t want to be left out. It often seems like your parents don’t understand. And you wonder if Jesus understands.

Well, he does. Jesus came into the world as a human baby, born to Mary. He had an earthly father in Joseph, but he was really God’s Son.

Jesus had lived in Heaven where everything was perfect. When he came to Earth, he had to be a kid and grow up, just like you. He felt pain, sadness, frustration, and all the other human emotions. And as God’s Son—always talking about and doing what pleased God—he often felt like an outsider.

Through it all, he did not sin. He got his strength from God and never failed to do the right thing. He knew staying obedient to God was worth more than following the crowd.

And Jesus can help you say no to bad decisions and stand on your own, too. When it feels like everyone else is doing something wrong, turn to him. He has compassion for you and will give you the help you need to stay on the right path.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Having a game plan helps us fight temptations. When your friends want to do something wrong, what are some good behaviors you could suggest, instead? Write them in your journal or on a piece of paper.

PRAY

Jesus, thank you for understanding. Please help me do the right thing, even if I must stand alone.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and put on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Read through the following passages today in the tabbed Bible References.

Psalm 147:5

Isaiah 53:2-3

Luke 2:52

Hebrews 2:18