Craig Clouston

 Little Buddy

February 26

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects.

1 Corinthians 13:6, 7

He ran onto the field, dragging the portable water fountain behind him. As each player took his turn drinking, he’d smile at Pete and rub his head.

Pete was team manager and waterboy. Standing four feet tall at age twelve, he was affectionately known among these athletic young men as their little buddy. Nobody bullied Pete, whether at a game or in school. If the players got wind of someone giving him a hard time, they paid him a visit and convinced him to rethink his actions.

Pete had had growth issues. And despite his short stature, instead of making fun of this little sixth-grader, the team adopted him in brotherly love as a full-fledged member. And, as a member of their team, he was afforded their protection. And protect Pete they did. As Pete grew older and taller, the bond remained. These young men would always feel a special connection to Pete, one born in love. Eventually, out of college and settled in his career, Pete hosted the football team’s Web site. It was his way of paying forward the bonds built in those early years.

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There are almost an identical number of references in Scripture admonishing us to refrain from oppression and harm as there is instructing us to encourage and protect. We are to not only abstain from ridiculing others but also stand with them against oppression.

Psalm 83 instructs us to, “Defend the cause of the weak … maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” The members of Pete’s high school football team chose to support rather than devalue his life.

We are all given opportunities to come alongside others, to become their encouragers. Many times these opportunities are ripe with confrontation, and we may feel uncertain and uncomfortable. But wrong actions must not go uncontested. If left unchecked, they foster growth. We are called to take a stand against the fear mongers of the world.

Prayer

“I get uncomfortable in the midst of controversy, Lord. Help me do the right thing, to stand in love against those who would defile and beat down those who are weak or those who are tired. I am a soldier of Christ. Help me act like one. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”