If I break something that belongs to someone else
but fix it, do I have to tell what I did?

"Therefore all things whatsover ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Matthew 7 : 12

How would you feel if a friend broke something of yours and didn't tell you, even though your friend fixed it? You probably would be upset, especially if you found out later. Treating another person the way you want to be treated is called the Golden Rule. Jesus taught that this is the way we should always act.

Letting the person know what you did is not only telling the truth, it's also respecting that person. If you break something that belongs to someone else, it is important to fix it or to pay to have it fixed. But you should let the person know what you did and not try to hide it. If you're honest, people will know you are responsible, and they will trust you more. But if you try to hide it and they find out, they won't trust you anymore. God wants you to be a person who can be trusted. You'll feel good about this, too!

ACTIVITY
Get a ruler and some small stickers that you can write on. On 12 stickers, write short reminders of how to treat others-"Respect others", "Tell the truth", Be kind, etc. Place the stickers on the inch marks, and use your "golden ruler" to remind you how Jesus would like you to act.

Betsy Elliot