Key Verse
“If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:18 WEB
Lesson
What is an animal that looks like a chipmunk, glides like a flying squirrel, and has a pouch like a kangaroo? Any guesses? A Sugar Glider of course. If you have seen one before then you would agree they are quite cute. They also make very good pets. Sugar Gliders are amazing creatures.
They get the name “Sugar” from their love of sweet food and “Glider” from their ability to glide from tree to tree. They have a membrane of skin between their front and back legs that allow them to glide on the air. They can glide up to 150 feet (45m).
The Sugar Gliders diet includes lots of fruit as well as nectar, sap, and small insects. They live in Gum Trees and also eat the gum they produce. Sugar Gliders are very social creatures and live in groups of 20 to 40. Interestingly, they rarely fight among themselves. They are peaceful creatures and only fight when attacked.1
As humans we have a tendency to argue and even fight. But as Christians, Jesus calls us to live differently. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:18 to live as peacefully as we possible can. We are to be quick to forgive and slow to anger just as Jesus is. Sometimes this can be hard. But it will help our lives be more peaceful and sweet. Jesus left us an example of how to live peacefully in the Sugar Glider.
Questions
Is it easy to live peacefully with others? Why or why not?
What are some practical ways we can live peacefully even when its difficult?
What can we do when we are angry at someone else?
Can you think of another lesson we can learn from the Sugar Glider?
Sources
1. Active Wild, “Sugar Glider Facts,” Active Wild, October 15, 2015, retrieved April 21, 2017 from http://www.activewild.com/sugar-glider-facts/.
Written by David F. Garner
Photo Credit: andyround62 via www.pixabay.com