Ringo’s Enemy

Cole's eyes flashed angrily as he came into the house. "Mr. Wilson kicked at Ringo! He tried to hurt him!"

Mom frowned. "Oh dear. Maybe we can talk with him about it tomorrow."

"Yeah," said Cole, "and show him how wrong he is!"

Mom shook her head. "We're going to talk to him with kindness and respect. Jesus said we should love our enemies and pray for those who are mean to us."

Cole sighed. "I know," he said, "but it's hard to do."

"Why don't we do it together?" Mom suggested. Cole nodded, and he and Mom said a prayer for Mr. Wilson.

The next day, Cole and his parents visited Mr. Wilson. The conversation didn't go well.

"That vicious dog of yours got out and bit me!" Mr. Wilson showed them what appeared to be a dog bite on his hand. "I ought to report you to the authorities."

After Mom and Dad apologized and offered to pay for medical treatment, they headed back home.

"Ringo doesn't bite!" Cole insisted. "Mr. Wilson must have been mean to him." But after they discussed it