A story on the theme of John 3.1-17

Theme: In the midst of the “fresh start” we are invited into during Lent, we need to understand what it means to be “born again...” and “born of the Spirit.”

Change the names and genders and parental configurations as works best for your context.

Ricky had really hurt his brother when he found out that his little brother had wrecked his Lego village. He ran to find him. When his brother, Sam, ran away, Ricky chased him and when he caught him he gave him a big shove. Sam went flying off his feet and hit his head against a counter. Sam wailed and Ricky ran off feeling pretty good --- for a while.

But when Ricky saw Sam a little later and the big bump on Samʼs forehead. He winced. He didnʼt feel so good about hurting Sam, but he was too proud to let Sam know. He had gotten punished by his mom and dad and had to go to his room and lay down on his bed for a long time. He couldnʼt play with any of his toys or read any of his books. All he could do was think about what he had done. He tried not to, but he couldnʼt stop thinking about how he had hurt Sam who was not only his brother, but one of his best friends. He got sorrier and sorrier about what he had done.

He talked with God about it. He had not only hurt Sam, but he knew that he has also hurt God who wanted to love him so he could be loving to other people. He told God how sorry he was and how he wanted to start over.

As he thought and prayed, he realized that he would have to go and apologize to Sam and his parents, just like he had apologized to God. Then heʼd get a fresh start with all of them.

It was like when he had invited Jesus into his heart. He had started by telling Jesus how sorry he was that he wasnʼt very loving or kind and he wanted to be forgiven and with a fresh start and Jesus living in his heart and head, he could be the kind of considerate, loving boy that he wanted to be.

Prayer: Thanks, God, for forgiving me when I hurt other people and you. Thanks, for giving me a fresh start. Amen.