The Heart-Shaped Stone
In a cheerful little village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a boy named Thomas. He loved exploring, collecting shiny rocks, and watching the clouds change shapes. But most of all, Thomas loved hearing stories about Jesus from his grandfather.
One morning, while walking near the river, Thomas found a small stone shaped just like a heart. He picked it up and smiled. “This will be my reminder to love others like Jesus does,” he said, remembering what his grandfather always told him: “Jesus gave us one very important rule—to love one another as he loves us.”
Thomas tucked the heart-shaped stone in his pocket and set out to follow Jesus’ command.
That day, he saw his friend Ella drop her basket of apples. “Here, let me help!” Thomas said, picking them up with a grin.
Later, he noticed his neighbor Mr. Lewis sitting alone. So Thomas sat with him and told him a silly story that made them both laugh.
Then, at school, when Jonah looked sad because he had no one to play with, Thomas invited him to join in their game of tag.
Each time Thomas showed kindness, he touched the little stone in his pocket. It was like a quiet cheer from Jesus saying, “That’s it! That’s how others will know you follow Me—by your love.”
By the end of the week, others began doing kind things too—sharing snacks, saying kind words, and including everyone. The love Thomas had shown began to spread, just like a warm light filling every corner of the village.
Thomas knew that even one small heart filled with Jesus’ love could change the world.
Moral: When we love others the way Jesus loves us—kindly, freely, and with open hearts—we become His true followers. And that love can shine brighter than anything else.
A children’s story based on Jesus’ commandment to love one another, inspired by John 13:34-35.
