Friends of God

Bible Reading: John 15:12-17

“Did you know there are only three kinds of people in this world?” Kaitlyn asked

her Sunday school teacher.

“And what would they be?” asked Mr. Richard.

“Those who can count and those who can’t,” said Kaitlyn with a grin.

Mr. Richard hesitated a moment and then burst out laughing.

“I don’t get it. Why is that so funny?” asked Wesley, one of the boys in the class.

“I said three kinds of people,” replied Kaitlyn, “but I named only two—those who can count and those who can’t. So I’m obviously one who can’t count. Get it now?” Wesley and a couple of the other kids joined in the laughter.

“We could say there are only two kinds of people, and it wouldn’t be a joke,” said Mr. Richard. “There are those who are friends of God and those who aren’t.”

The class was silent for a moment. Then Kaitlyn nodded. “I trust Jesus as my Savior, so I’m a friend of God, right?”

“Me too,” said Gideon, and most of the other class members nodded.

Mr. Richard smiled. “Good. Are you growing in your friendship with God? And can other kids see that Jesus is your friend?”

Wesley shrugged. “How would they tell?” he asked.

“Think about the kids at school,” said Mr. Richard. “How can you tell which ones are friends?”

Kaitlyn remembered seeing girls jumping rope, boys playing ball, and groups of older students talking and laughing with one another. “That’s easy,” she said. “They hang out together.”

Mr. Richard nodded. “That’s how friendships grow—by spending time together. You made the commitment to be God’s friend when you put your faith in Jesus. Now you need to grow that friendship by spending time with Him. You do that by letting Him talk to you as you read and study His Word—the Bible. And you talk to Him through prayer.”

“But I still don’t see how other kids can tell that God is our friend,” said Gideon.

“Don’t be bashful about letting them see that you’re friends with Jesus,” Mr. Richard replied. “As your friendship with Him grows, you’ll treat other people in a more loving way. Your decisions will reflect His love and show that you’re His friend.” • Alice Klopstra

How About You?

Are you growing in your friendship with Jesus? He says His friends follow His commands, and His greatest command is to love others the way He loves us. Spend time with Him so you can get to know Him better. Your friendship with Jesus will influence the things you value and the way you treat others. Let your life reflect the fact that you are a friend of God.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 15:14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Grow in friendship with Jesus