Friends

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 13:20

Your friends are important. They are the ones you laugh with, cry with, share your heart with, and hang out with. They know your likes and dislikes. They know what your favorite movie is and which school subject you enjoy the most. They may be the ones who help you with the math homework you don’t understand or coach you on your spelling words.

Your friends play such a significant role in your life that it’s crucial to have the right kind of friends. What should you look for in a friend?

A good friend puts others first. Sure, each friend can have a say about what to do when you’re together, but a good friend doesn’t always demand her own way. She is willing to share in her friends’ activities and interests. Shared interests make good memories.

A good friend listens. A good friend lets you share your stories, problems, and ideas rather than dominate the conversation with her own. She should want to hear what you have to say too. Like you, she is learning to take turns talking so no one is left out.

A good friend tells the truth. A true friend doesn’t pretend to like something she doesn’t really like. She doesn’t pretend something’s okay if it’s not. That doesn’t mean hurting a friend’s feelings; it means speaking the truth with love.

A good friend shows respect for others. That means showing appreciation for another person’s worth or for the person’s authority if he or she is a parent, a teacher, or someone who is in charge. A friend who respects others speaks kindly, takes turns, treats others fairly, and puts others’ needs ahead of her own.

As you look for people who will be good friends for you, make sure to be a good friend for others. Challenge each other to be the best you can be. Today’s verse says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” With the right friend, you can make good choices and be your best together.

What characteristics do you think are most important in a friend? How do you show those to your friends? Write down ways you can do that in the coming week.