How To Make Friends At Schoolنموونە

The snapping turtle was still sitting in the soccer goal, even though Jose and his new friends had tried pushing it, poking it, and lifting it between two sticks.

“I know, let’s flip it!” Carl said. He put the end of his stick under the turtle and pushed hard. The turtle flipped into the air and landed on Carl’s leg.

“Argh! Get it off!” he screamed.

Jose burst into laughter. “That was dumb!”

“Owwwweeee!” Carl yelled as the turtle bit him. He scowled at Jose. “Stop laughing, jerk!”

Jose put his hand over his mouth. Carl stared at him with eyes like lasers.

“I’m sorry,” Jose said. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Carl said. He wiped his nose. After a minute he said, “That was pretty cool, right?”

“Totally cool!” said Jose.

Being a friend means caring about what the other person might be feeling. This is called empathy. When you see someone hurt or embarrassed, do you laugh? Or do you show concern and try to help? If your first response isn’t that of a real friend as described in Proverbs 18:24, then you can practice your empathy.

Try this: Practice figuring out how people feel. Read the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) or another book you like. Discuss each of the characters in the story: What does each person feel? What do they want? How do we know it?

If you want people to stay your friends, it’s important to stick by them when something goes wrong. Don’t make fun of a friend who is hurting. Say sorry even if it’s not your fault. According to Proverbs 18:24, this is what real friends do.

Prayer: God, here’s a prayer for the friends I haven’t met yet. Make them happy. Help me be a good friend to them. Amen.

If you enjoyed this plan, find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions