Lesson Number and Description

Bible Passage

1: My Best Friend, Jesus

John 15:14-15

How to enjoy Jesus' friendship.

2: Being a Good Friend

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

How to be a good friend to others.

3: Choosing Good Friends

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

How to recognize friends of good character.

4: Growing Godly Friends.

Various Proverbs

How to strengthen friendships.

Encourage children to choose positive friendships by introducing them to the model friendship: Jesus, the Friend of Sinners, and the One who will be their unconditional, lifelong Friend. Kids long for a best friend, and if they can discover that Jesus wants to be that Friend, He will equip them to evaluate other friendships.

Godly friendships are based on selflessness and genuine concern for another person’s well-being. All of us long for good friends, but sometimes we become concerned about what we want in friends or what we can get from friends. We must first focus on how we can be good friends to others. Only then will we enjoy genuinely fulfilling friendships as God designed.

The Bible is very clear that believers are to be intentional and thoughtful when it comes to establishing friendships. The company we keep has a profound impact on our character, our choices, and therefore the outcomes of our lives. In this lesson, you will challenge and equip your children to be thoughtful and prayerful as they develop friendships.

Introduce your children to four types of people from the book of Proverbs: the wise, the simple/naïve, the fool, and the scoffer. Your kids will learn to differentiate between and identify each type of “friend.” They will discern four very different ways people approach life—and the inevitable outcomes. This may be the most useful way to help your children choose good friendships.