Denny answers:
Be the kind of person you'd like to have for your own friend.
You probably know lots of kids who live in your neighborhood, at your church, at school, and in your sports teams. You can be friendly to all of them, but you should carefully choose your close friends. The Bible says, "Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer" (Proverbs 13:20, NCV). A foolish friend will get you into trouble by the bad choices he makes. But if you choose a wise friend, both of you can learn to make the right choices that please God.
Whenever you're around other kids, treat them the way you want to be treated. You feel special when older kids include you in their games, so take time to play with kids younger than you. You like it when someone shares their toys with you, so share your things with other kids. If you act like a good friend, you will get friends.
Take turns picking the games you play. Include other kids who want to join you, even if they're not your favorite to play with - maybe they don't have any other friends yet. Do your best to work out any problems you have with other kids, on your own. If you run to tell on them every time you have trouble, they will get mad at you for tattling. But if you can't come to a solution together or if someone could get hurt, be sure to get an adult to help you.
Remember that other kids are not perfect, just like you aren't perfect. Be willing to forgive other kids when they make a mistake, and give them another chance. You won't ever be friends with everyone and that's okay. But you'll make many friends when you show them the love Jesus shows you.
Bible Truth
- Jesus said, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
- "Do not be fooled: 'Bad friends will ruin good habits' " (1 Corinthians 15:33, NCV).
- "Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24, NCV).
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