“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

John 15:13-14

 Jesus, our ultimate Friend, sacrificed his life for us. We can follow his example by showing love and devotion to our friends and family members. 

 Teachable Moments

1. Stick With Love—Buy some stickers that have messages about friendship, and let children pass them out to friends. Read 2 John 5-6 and talk about what it means to love our friends.

2. Everyone’s Invited—When children feel left out or are excluded from a party, talk about how life isn’t always fair or equal. Read Luke 14:7-14 together and discuss ways to include people and not discriminate.

3. Time to Reflect—Let babies and toddlers see themselves and their playmates in mirrors. Say names aloud as children see the reflections so they can begin to attach names to other people.

4. Keep in Touch—During summer, help children send postcards to their friends. Even if postcards aren’t from a trip, correspondence will teach kids about nurturing their special relationships.