Hands-On Faith - Week of Feb. 4, 2013
Friends Help Each Other
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Talking to God
Thank God for His constant help and for the people around you (family, friends, teachers, pastors) who help you, too.
Diving In
Sit in a circle. One person should stand and say, "I am your friend. I will ___." In the blank, the person can make up an ending, such as "help you comb your hair" or "take your favorite toy without asking." The rest of the family should give a thumbs-up if the action is that of a friend and a thumbs-down if the action is not that of a friend. Go around the circle a few times. It's OK for people to suggest funny ideas that don't belong in a friendship.
Going Deeper
The Gospel of Mark tells about four men who helped their friend find a way to Jesus (2:1-12). Their friend was not able to walk, so they carried him through the crowd, made a hole in the roof above Jesus and lowered him through the hole. Because they loved their friend enough to help him, he was able to meet Jesus, and Jesus healed him so he could walk again.
Talking to Each Other
• How have your friends helped you?
• How have you helped your friends?
• Do you have any friends with special needs? How might you help them?
• What other ways can friends help each other?
From Focus on the Family's Thrivingfamily.com. © [2011] [Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress]. Used by permission.
