I Can Be Reverent By Showing Respect, Honor, and Love for My Friends

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you." -John 13:34

Gospel Truth:

Friendship is a loving relationship between two people. Friends respect each other, care about each other, remain true to each other, and overlook and forgive each other's faults. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be friends with all His children.

As I tell the following story, listen for the qualities of a true friend:

Bill was approached by some kids he knew at school. They were angry because Jim, a member of the group, said Bill had pushed Jim's brother into the park pond that morning. Bill had not been near the pond. At this tense moment, Bill saw his friend John walking toward him. He was excited to see John because he had been with John all morning. John could prove his innocence. As John came nearer, the other boys threatened him, but he kept coming. He stood up for Bill and finally convinced the others that he was innocent; they were accusing the wrong man.

What qualities of friendship were displayed by John?

Read and discuss the description of the friendship of Jonathan, a son of King Saul, and David, the shephed boy. (See Samuel 18:1-4) Ask the children how they would complete the following statement: "A true friend is a person who _______________________." Discuss the answers given.

Perhaps the best one word description is found in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loveth at all times. Also see John 13:34.

If we can be a true friend, we can make a difference at home, at schoo, at church, in our country, and in the world. Joseph Smith said about this: "Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism; [it is designed] to revolutionize and civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith)

Challenge the children to be true friends in the coming week.

Other concepts that might be taught:

1. Important to understand that if we want friends, we must be a good friend. List on poster or on slips of paper the following:

  a. Learn to love them.

  b. Be yourself

  c. Include someone who is feeling left out

  d. Be interested in what others are doing

  e. Help others

  f. Say good things about others

  g. Share with others

  h. Invite others to do something with you

A second list would be the negatives:

Do not:

  a. Buy friendships by giving treats or expensive gifts

  b. Lie about others

  c. Give false praise

  d. Threaten to desert your friend if he won't agree with you

2. Our family should be our most important friends. Encourage the children to be kind to brothers and sisters and parents. This could be done using stories with pictures and figures. Perhaps you could have children do some role playing.

3. It is important that children understand that being a friend does not mean lowering your standards. It is important that we try to influence our friends for good and not allow them to drag us down. There are many stories in the scriptures where friends were true to their words or maintained their standards when others did not.

4. Enlarging upon #3, the children can be missionaries to their nonmember friends and perhaps even influence them to learn about the church. There are many stories in which members share how small chidlren were the catalyst for seeking the truth of the gospel. Stories such as these could be shared or presented during sharing time.

5. Talk to the children about service and that service done in secret is very fulfilling. Encourage them to consider doing things for other people and see how they feel inside.

6. A discussion concerning those in the world who are different from us because of handicaps both physically and mentally would be appropriate. Point out that in other times, people with handicaps or illness were required to live apart from society because of people's fears. But Jesus loved all people and encouraged us to do the same. Perhaps you could have someone come and discuss their experiences in dealing with a physical handicap. The children need to learn that it is the inner soul that we must strive to know.

7. The church is a worldwide churcch and there are many different nationalities and races represented in church membership. It is important that we get to know and appreciate their cultures. Have a presentationabout another country - including church, food, schooling, and interests.