Today, we’re exploring the theme of friendship in light of the International Day of Friendship. Why is this important for us as teenagers?
In a world filled with social media, peer pressure, and shifting cultural values, understanding and cultivating authentic friendships becomes crucial. As followers of Christ, we’re called to love and build meaningful connections with others. Today, let’s explore what the Bible says about friendship and how it can shape our faith.
Bible Reading 1: Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- True friendship goes beyond good times; it remains steadfast during challenges.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What qualities make a friend who loves at all times?
- How can we be friends who stick by each other during difficult moments?
Bible Reading 2: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- God designed us for community and collaboration.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does having a friend contribute to personal growth?
- In what ways can we support and encourage one another in our faith journey?
Youth Group Game: “Friendship Web”
Create a physical web using yarn, with each person holding a part of the yarn. Share positive qualities about the person on the other end before tossing the yarn to someone else, creating a visual representation of the interconnectedness of friendships.
Bible Reading 3: Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- True friends challenge and inspire each other to grow spiritually.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How can we challenge our friends to grow in their faith without being judgmental?
- Share a personal experience where a friend positively influenced your faith.
Bible Reading 4: John 15:13 (NIV)
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Jesus exemplified the highest form of friendship through sacrificial love.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How can we apply the concept of sacrificial love in our friendships?
- In what practical ways can we show love to our friends?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of friendship. Help us to be intentional in our relationships, growing together in faith and love. May our friendships reflect the sacrificial love modeled by Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.