FRIENDSHIP/FELLOWSHIP

By Nick Kalb

Story

What’s the worst birthday party you’ve ever had? Mine was a surprise party my mom threw for me in fifth grade. She invited all of the friends of mine she knew. My mom was trying hard to do something nice for me, but it blew up BIG TIME.  

She didn’t know that my school friends weren’t the same as my home friends, and putting them together in the same room was super awkward for me. My school friends liked sports, and my home friends were younger and still liked to play with toys.  My school friends and I liked to act rough with each other, and they were rude to my younger friends, who looked to me to make them feel welcomed. I acted differently with different friends. I felt caught in the middle, because I didn’t know how to deal with both groups of friends at the same time. 

It turns out who you spend your time with has a HUGE effect on how you see the world and how you act.

Bible

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” — 1 John 1:3–4

Think

Have you ever wondered why it seems like your parents are so concerned about who your friends are? It’s because they know that your friends can change you over time. The Bible talks about this a lot. The whole nation of Israel kept getting into trouble because they would follow the ungodly ways of nations around them. Even Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for 'bad company corrupts good character.'”

That is why spending time at church and with other believers is so important. It gives God a chance to work in us to make us more like Him. And God uses us to work in the lives of other believers, too! As we spend time serving, playing, and worshipping with other people who also love Jesus, it helps to strengthen our faith in Him.  

Do Something

How can we make sure that our friendships are the kind that are well-pleasing to God? A great start is to ask your friends what they need prayer for. Pray for them, and keep up with them about those things.  

Pray

Dear God, thank you for giving me friends and family that know You. Help me to be a good friend to others, and help me remember You in all my friendships. In Jesus’ name. Amen.