Loving the 'Unlovely'

As a school head teacher I used unconsciously to place children into two categories: ‘lovely’ children (those who were no trouble) and ‘unlovely’ (difficult) children.

One particular first year student was sent to my office nearly every day because his behaviour was so out of control. I began to dislike this child because he spent so much time in my office disrupting my routine.

One day his mother failed to pick him up from school, so I drove him home. As we pulled into a run-down caravan park, he pointed to a windowless caravan where rubbish littered the yard and the door was wide open on a freezing cold day. This was his home. His mother appeared at the door and ushered him in. Stunned, I drove away.

How could I discount this child who did not have the comfort of a dry, warm place to live? Didn’t he need me more than others?

From that day forward, I considered all children to be God’s children—not ‘lovely’ or ‘unlovely’. God holds us responsible to take care of each one of his children. When I treat any child carelessly, I am treating Christ carelessly. When I treat each child as a beloved child of God, I am honouring Christ.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your unconditional love. Forgive us when we fail to love your children as you love them. Amen