Family Devotion Idea: New Friendships

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

Make an effort to build new friendships

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:2 “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Matthew 25:38-40 “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in? …Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Materials:
Ice cube tray

Small flowers (dime size)

Plate

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

Who are your two best friends? At some point in your life you didn’t even know these kids and now they are your best friends. How did that happen? Listen to answers. We met playing sports. She moved into the neighborhood. I met him at church. We were in class together. PARENTS: be sure to answer the questions too. What is the first conversation you remember and what was the first activity you remember doing together?

ACTIVITY:

Hand each person a plate and an ice cube with a flower frozen inside. The goal is to melt this ice cube and release the flower without damaging it. You can only use your hands and breath from your mouth. The plate is to catch the melting water. Begin. You may want to set a timer to see how long it takes. While the ice is melting have the following discussion:

The flower represents a potential new friend. The ice is cold and represents what it can feel like getting to know someone new. Sometimes we have to risk talking first or inviting them to join us in an activity. It’s risky because you’re not sure if they will respond when you talk or reject joining you in an activity. Your breath represents things you might say to help build a new friendship. Your hands represent things you might do to build a new friendship. You want to be careful not to damage the flower in the same way you don’t want words and actions to damage the potential for a new friendship.

How could words or actions damage a potential new friendship? Listen to answers. Making fun of someone. Ignoring someone new. Being in a group that is not open to someone new. How can words and actions help build a new friendship? Listen to answers. Include comments from the opening discussion about their current best friends. Who spoke first? Who made what effort to befriend the other?

As family members get close to freeing the flower: Don’t be in a hurry and risk damaging the flower. In the same way, be patient in building new friendships.

Ask the first person who frees his flower to read Matthew 25:38-40. Invite the second person who frees her flower to read Hebrews 13:2. Ask each person to think of someone at church, school or in the neighborhood who they will make an effort to befriend. Discuss things you might say or do that will help build a bridge of friendship.

If you like this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.