What makes someone a good friend? Maybe they’re fun to play with. Maybe they make you laugh. Maybe they stick up for you when someone’s being mean. Good friends are one of the best gifts God gives us!

King Solomon, who was one of the wisest people who ever lived, wrote about friendship. He said, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” In other words, if you want to have good friends, you need to BE a good friend first!

Think about it like planting seeds in a garden. If you want tomatoes, you have to plant tomato seeds! If you want good friends, you have to plant “good friend” seeds by being kind, loyal, helpful, and fun to be around.

Solomon also talked about how friends help each other. Two people working together can get more done than one person working alone. If one person falls down, their friend can help them up. If someone is cold, a friend can help keep them warm. And if someone is in danger, two people are stronger than one!

The very best example of friendship is Jesus! He’s called “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” That means Jesus is the most loyal, most loving, most faithful friend you could ever have. He’s always there for you, He always cares about what’s happening in your life, and He’ll never let you down!

Take Action: Are you being the kind of friend you’d want to have? Make a friendship goal this week to plant “good friend” seeds! Maybe you can listen better when your friends talk, share your snacks or toys without being asked, stick up for a friend when someone’s being mean to them, or invite someone who seems lonely to play with you. Remember, being a good friend starts with YOU!