THINK TOGETHER.
How many friends do you have?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 18:24. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
When you are little the people who have the biggest impact on you are your family. Mom and dad. Sister and brother. But as you get older your friends will soon begin to have the biggest impact on you. In fact, as an adult it may be a good friend who you are closer to than even a brother or sister. Solomon says it this way – there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
This is not a bad thing. Friendships a very important part of our lives, sometimes more important than family. A person can't live without friends, but they can live without brothers and sisters. And unlike your family, you can choose your friends. This is a very important choice. What kind of friends should we choose? First, they should love Jesus. They should also be honest and faithful. Good friends always tell you the truth, but they do it from love not jealousy. This is what Solomon means when he says that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. This friend will never give up on you, while also not letting you do wrong things.
Good friends can be very hard to find, and the truth is that friendships like Solomon is describing usually take many years to grow and form. Through all the ups and downs of life your true friends will stick close. But these kinds of good friendships take time, especially when you are young.
Jesus is the best friend we could ever have, isn't he? When we have accepted Jesus as our Savior he is always close. So close, he lives in our hearts. Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus doesn't have to love you like a brother or sister does. Jesus chooses to love you like a best friend does. Is he your best friend today?
Because of Jesus we can be friends with God.
With Jesus we always have a best friend, and we can be a best friend to others.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Being a good friend is a skill that needs to be learned. Often friendships come from common interests. How interested are your children's friends in Jesus? How can you grow that friendship? (Remember: be friendly to everyone, but best friends with a few).
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, you are my best friend who is always close. Never leave me alone. Amen.
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