OCTOBER 17, 1 Samuel 18:1 

All of us have friends. Some are kind and generous. We love to be with friends as we play with them, have fun together, and as Christians, hope to learn and grow in the faith together. That is why it is important that you mix with the right type of friends, because they will influence you to a large extent.

Have you ever imagined how others view you as a friend? Do they think you are a nice boy or girl, whether you are selfish, or whether you behave well only when adults (in particular your parents) are around? How can we learn to be a true friend?

Jonathan was a true friend. The meaning of the name “Jonathan” is “Gift of God”. Indeed, the biblical Jonathan was a gift of God. Although he was the son of King Saul, and that Saul wanted him to take over the throne, Jonathan did not want it because he knew it was God’s will for David to be king.

This is a rare friend, for he could easily have the most powerful position in the land, and yet willingly made way for his friend David. In Jonathan, we see the beauty of sacrifice, of humility, of selfishness, but most of all, of someone who seeks and follows God’s will.

Are you like Jonathan? When you play with friends, do you always seek to win? If you are playing shooting games, do you prefer to have the most powerful gun? If you are playing “dressing up the dolls”, do you want the most glamourous dress for your doll? When you sit down for food and drinks, are you gracious and allow others to begin before you help yourself to the food and drinks? Above these, do you care for others?

Think about some areas you can improve as a friend to others, and commit them to the Lord:

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________

Thought: May I be a true friend.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is wonderful to have friends, and I pray I will be a faithful and true friend to those around me. Teach me to be more kind, more considerate, and more helpful. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen