October 26
The Price
of Silence
"Suppose someone borrows an animal from a neighbor. And it gets hurt or dies while the owner isn’t there. Then the one who borrowed it must pay for it. But suppose the owner is with the animal. Then the one who borrowed it will not have to pay for it. If the animal was rented, the price has already covered the loss."
Exodus 22:14-15 (NIrV)
Sade could still remember the excitement she felt when her friend Piper handed over the camera.
“I don’t really use it much,” Piper had said with a smile. “Enjoy your trip!”
And enjoy it, she did. The beaches, the city streets, the late-night laughter with friends—every moment was captured with that camera. It was more than just a device; it was a way to hold onto memories.
One night, after a few too many drinks, Sade tried to snap a group photo in the dim glow of streetlights. She misjudged the grip. The camera slipped.
The sickening crack as it hit the pavement made her heart stop.
She picked it up, breathless. The lens had shattered, and the screen flickered before dying completely. She stared at the broken pieces in her hands, panic rising in her chest.
For the rest of the trip, guilt gnawed at her. She thought about telling Piper but convinced herself otherwise. She never uses it anyway. Maybe she won’t even notice.
When she got home, Piper asked, “So, how was your trip?”
Sade forced a smile. “Amazing!”
But she didn’t mention the camera.
Weeks passed. Then months. And Sade assumed she was safe. Until the message came.
"Hey, Sade! I was thinking of selling that camera to help fund my studies. Can you bring it back?"
Her stomach dropped. She had hoped the problem had disappeared. Now, she had no choice.
With trembling hands, she typed, Hey, Piper… I need to tell you something.
The truth spilled out—every detail, every excuse, every regret. The wait for a response was agonizing.
Finally, Piper replied. I wish you had told me sooner. But thanks for being honest.
Sade knew an apology wasn’t enough. She had to make things right. The next day, she walked to Piper’s house and gave her the value of the camera in cash. It hurt her savings, but the relief in her heart was worth more.
When she handed over the money to Piper, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
She had learned an expensive lesson: responsibility doesn’t disappear just because we ignore it. But grace is found when we choose to do what’s right.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for teaching me about integrity and responsibility.
Sometimes, I avoid the truth because I’m afraid of the consequences, but I know You call me to be honest and to make things right.
Help me to own up to my mistakes, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Give me the strength to do what is right, and remind me that Your grace is always there to guide me.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
