Friendship for Girls: Teaching Healthy Habits to Our DaughtersНамуна

Serving God Together

“Wait, what? Your birthday party is at the animal shelter?” Breyann asked as she squinted at the birthday invite Lilah handed her.

“Isn’t that cool? I didn’t know it was a thing until I started volunteering there. We get to groom some of the friendlier cats, play with a few of the dogs, and cuddle with Thumper, their resident rabbit. The shelter uses it as a way to build awareness for animals who need a home.” Lilah grinned as she thought of all of her friends brushing cats. “What about cake and presents? Aren’t you going to miss out on all the birthday stuff?”

Lilah’s smile got even bigger. “Well, I still get cake and candles, but I talked to my foster mom and she asked if I wanted my presents to go toward the animals this year. I’ve thought about it, and that’s what I want. See? I included a list of things the shelter needs, like catnip, dog bones, and old towels.”

Sometimes our very favorite memories with friends are when we’re serving God together. There is something incredible about partnering with friends to serve a meal at a homeless shelter, package emergency meals for kids halfway across the world, or create gift baskets to drop off at a women’s shelter for Mother’s Day. While we serve, we can pray that God would use our gifts to bless others.

Did you know that the Bible tells us that serving God together with others is powerful, and that God is in the midst of that gathering? It’s true. When we serve God in a group, it is harder to be discouraged, it's easier to solve problems that may arise, we get more accomplished than if we were doing it alone, and it’s simply more fun!

Parent Conversation Starter

Share your own story of volunteering with others, comparing and contrasting a group experience with individual acts of service. How did serving with others make you feel, how much were you able to accomplish, and did you run into problems your group had to overcome? Brainstorm fun friendship activities that include volunteering or meeting a need. Pick one, set a date, and invite friends!  

Things to Think About

Make a list of ways you and your friends can work together on a service project to bless others. What project would you choose? What supplies do you need? Who would you invite?

Daily Act of Friendship

Set up a service project with your friends. Before you start, don’t forget to pray for Jesus to be in your midst and to help you bless others.

Friendship in Action

Plan your next birthday party around a service project and suggest presents that support the project.

This bible study devotional is taken from 100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery.