Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Knowing How to Be a Good Friend”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Thursday, January 25, 2023

Title: Knowing How to Be a Good Friend

” Withdraw thy feet from thy neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. Proverbs 25:17

Imagine our friendships as beautiful gardens.Just like flowers need space to grow, our friends also need space sometimes. The verse reminds us that being considerate of our friends’ feelings is important. If we spend too much time at their house or demand too much attention, they might feel tired or overwhelmed.

Being a good friend means having fun together but also understanding when it’s time to leave or let our pals do their own thing. We don’t want to be like a game that never ends, right?

So, how can we apply this wisdom to our lives? It’s about finding balance and respecting the boundaries of our friends. We should give them space to enjoy their own interests, and in return, they’ll appreciate the time we spend together even more.

Here are some cool friendship tips:

1. Share, but not too much : Just like sharing toys, share your time and stories, but don’t overdo it. Everyone needs their own time to play and think.
2. Be a peacekeeper : If there’s a little problem, try to solve it kindly. Gossiping or prying into others’ business is a no-no.
3. Respect their space : Everyone has their own room in the friendship “house.” Let your friends have their privacy and time alone.

Remember, choosing kindness means understanding when to step back and let our friends breathe. By doing so, we nurture healthy and lasting friendships, just like caring for a garden allows it to bloom beautifully.

Let’s practice being thoughtful friends, giving our pals the room they need to grow, and watch as our friendships flourish like the most vibrant flowers in a well-tended garden. So, go out there, play, and be the best friend ever!

Thought for Reflection:
Reflect on how giving others the freedom to be themselves strengthens the bonds we share. Take a moment to think about your friendships. Are there times when you could give your friends more space to pursue their interests? Practice being considerate and watch your friendships bloom.

Song
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain :
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of friendship, the joy of playing together and the wisdom found in your Word. Teach us to be mindful of our friends’ needs, to give them space to grow, respect each other’s individuality and to cherish the moments we share. Help us be blessings to our friends and bring joy to their lives. Guide us by your Holy Spirit in nurturing healthy and loving friendships. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.