Daily Devotional for February 27, 2022
Finding Friends
Amaya came home in tears. “I wish we’d never moved here!” she wailed. “I don’t have any friends.”
“I’m sorry,” said Mom. “Let’s talk about how you can change that.”
“I can’t do anything! The kids just stare at me and walk right on by. I’m so lonely.”
The door flew open, and Amaya’s brother Kareem blew in like a whirlwind. “Hey, Mom, is it okay if I go to Troy’s? He wants me to see his new dog, and he needs help with his science project.”
Mom nodded. “Just be home by five-thirty.”
“Okay!” said Kareem, and the door slammed behind him.
Amaya wiped her eyes. “You and Dad and Kareem know lots of people already. Why aren’t they friendly to me like they are to all of you?”
“Amaya, you’ve been looking for someone to be a friend to you, but Kareem and Dad and I were friendly to others first. Maybe you should stop looking for a friend and start trying to be one instead.”
“But I don’t know how,” said Amaya.
“Oh, I think you do,” said Mom. “Remember when we studied the love chapter in the Bible at church last month—First Corinthians Thirteen? It lists a lot of qualities that would be found in someone who is friendly.”
“I remember,” said Amaya.
“Well, those are all qualities we can put into practice because we know Jesus,” Mom said. “Because we have His love in our hearts, we should reach out to others in friendship. Put others first and see what you can do to make them feel cared for. For example, Mrs. Carson next door just got home from the hospital today. What do you think I could do to help her?”
“I…I don’t know,” Amaya murmured. “Maybe fix some food for her?”
Mom smiled and took a casserole dish out of the oven. “Just what I thought too. Why don’t you bring it over to her?” Amaya sighed but took the casserole and left.
A while later, Amaya came skipping into the apartment. “Guess what, Mom? Tara, Mrs. Carson’s granddaughter, and her mom are cleaning her grandma’s apartment. I asked if they’d like me to come over after dinner and help them. Can I?” Smiling, Mom nodded. -Barbara J. Westberg
How about you?
Are you lonely? Stop and look around you. There are many lonely people—including lonely kids. You probably see some of them every day. Instead of waiting for others to be friendly to you, reach out to them. If you know Jesus, He’s given you everything you need to show others His love and care (see today’s Bible reading). Make friends by being a friend like Jesus.
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