Friends Closer than Brothers

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 20:12-17, 41-42

Wes climbed onto the school bus and spotted his best friend in their usual seat. “Good morning, John,” Wes said as he sat down.

John didn’t answer right away. “Hi.”

“What’s wrong? Did your dog eat your homework?” Wes joked.

“I wish,” John said. “My dad got transferred for his job. We’re moving.”

Wes’ face fell. “When?”

“We’re leaving in a month,” John said.

Wes let out a deep breath. “How far?”

“About a thousand miles from here,” said John.

The boys said nothing for a few minutes. “I’m really going to miss you,” Wes finally said. “But try looking at the bright side. There will be different places for you to explore and have adventures. You’ll make new friends.”

John sighed. “That’s just what Mom and Dad said. But it’s going to be hard leaving my best friend ever! I can’t even think of a time we weren’t friends. I remember when we were little in the toddler class at church.”

“Me too,” said Wes. “But we can still stay in touch. We can email, talk on the phone, and text each other.”

“Maybe we can find ways to visit each other sometimes when we’re on school breaks,” John said.

Wes nodded. “We just have to trust that God’s got a plan with all this, John. We won’t let all those miles ruin our friendship. We’re true friends. We’re like brothers!”

“You’re right,” said John. “It reminds me of the Sunday school lesson we had a few weeks ago about the friendship between David and Jonathan. They made a promise before the Lord that nothing would come between them.”

“Yeah,” Wes replied. “Their close friendship was based on their commitment to God, and in tough times they helped each other find their strength in God and not be afraid. They vowed to remain friends to the end.”

“That’s like our friendship,” John said. “We can encourage and pray for each other even when we’re apart.”

“Right,” Wes said. “We are brothers in Christ. That means we’ll always be friends, because we’re both going to live with Him forever!” Lynda Boucher

How About You?

Have you ever had a close friend who had to move away? Or maybe you were the one who moved. It’s hard to leave a good friend that you care about a lot. But if you both know Jesus, even when you’re apart, you are still connected through Him. You are brothers—or sisters—in Christ, and that means you’ll be friends forever.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourself. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Christian friends are friends forever