This is a new segment of my blog where I will be sharing a variety of thoughts, scripture verses, and “sparkle” ideas just for kids. Feel free to pass them on to your children, grandchildren, or any other young people that God has put in your life.
KIDZ ☮ PEACE ... I know a person that has over 1,200 friends (on FaceBook). She is a super friendly person, and loves to chat & text on her phone How many people do you consider to be your “friend?” In this world of technology, we have so many connections to others, but it is important to remember that it should not be about the number of people you have on your “friend list” (in your email contact list, or in your circle of friends at school), but the quality of your friendships. Ask yourself these two questions...
What good is it if you have a person on your friend list that is always gossiping about you?
Is someone really your friend if they chat with you on the computer, but ignore you when they see you at school?
To have good friends, you must be a good friend - but friendship isn’t always easy. There are “real friends” and then there are people who only claim to be your friend. So you might be wondering how we can tell the difference. Here are some tips about good and bad friends.
1. Characteristics of a good friend:
• has similar values, interests and activities
• honest and trustworthy
• listens (and shares)
• offers you encouragement
• shares your good times and bad times
• accepts you for who you are
• makes you laugh, you enjoy being together
• respects your opinion and doesn’t criticize
2. Signs of a bad friend:
• lies to you (and others)
• always wants things done their way (bossy)
• acts like they are better than you
• makes fun of you, swears or yells at you
• talks about you behind your back (and gossips about others)
• judges you and is always trying to change you
• gets jealous when you hang out with other people
• tempts you to make bad choices
3. What does God’s Word tell us?
When we go to God in prayer and read our Bible we can find words that instruct us on why we should be a friend and how to be a good friend. Check out these verses: 1 John 4:11, Ecclesiastes 4:9, John 15:13, Proverbs 18:24, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Luke 6:31
The Bible also gives us many examples of “friendships.” You can read the story of David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-3). Ruth and Naomi were friends who stuck together in good times and bad (Ruth 1:16-17). You can also read about Job’s friends - Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (Job 2:11).
Friendships are a gift from God and should not be taken for granted. It is important to thank God for our friends and also let your friends know how important they are to you!
The next two weeks our Kidz Peace topics will also be tied to friendship ... they are “respect” and “trust/forgiveness.” So be sure to check back next Wednesday when we talk about RESPECT.
Kidz Thought for the Week: "The only way to have a friend is to be one." – from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Keeping you in my prayers. 'til next week ... make a friend, be a friend and bring that friend to Christ! God's Peace, Donna
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