You already know that friends and friendships are an important part of your children’s lives. Well, I’ve got good news! Here are some tips for guiding your kids on this all-important area. Take the time to show them the criteria God lists in His Word. As the two of you read through the verses that follow, point out the speech and character and conduct of those who are most definitely not to be your child’s friends. In short, show them that God says not to make friends with anyone who is a fool (Proverbs 13:20), violent (Proverbs 16:29), hot-tempered and angry (Proverbs 22:24-25), a gossip (Proverbs 29:5), evil (1 Corinthians 15:33), or immoral (1 Corinthians 5:11).
Then share the Scriptures will help your little or big kids find the right kinds of friends—those who are wise (Proverbs 13:20), faithful (Proverbs 18:24), honest (Proverbs 27:6), and a Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Be thankful the Bible is totally clear about what kinds of people are to be in—and out of—your children’s lives.
Friends are part of God’s plan and a part of everyday life. So protect your children from harm. Be proactive! Take time—however much it takes—to insure your children are surrounded by friends that better their live.
Read Choosing the Right Kinds of Friends on Elizabeth & Jim George.
Jim and Elizabeth George
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people
live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14
million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of
Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.
Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.
Related Articles
DEVOTION: Trust is essential in any relationship. If you want to have friends who are honest with you, then (you guessed it) you must be honest with them, even if it means having a difficult conversation. Honesty is one of the benefits of a true friendship. The Bible puts it this way: “Wounds fro...
Read More
DEVOTION: Being friendly and approachable is a Jesus quality. You may believe that anyone could talk to you or ask something of you, but you may also be sending a message that says you already have enough friends, or you’re too busy to be bothered. Ask God to look into your heart. Pray for an app...
Read More
DEVOTION: As a Christian, you already have a perfect friendship. You have a friend in Jesus Christ. But God also provides other people with whom you can and should have friendships. The bible teaches us that it is not good for man to be alone and that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens an...
Read More
