Be a friend

Joe was a high school freshman, with big plans for the weekend with his friends. Friday was finally here and at his first opportunity, he was out the door, ready to enjoy himself. As he was leaving, he noticed a student he had never seen before carrying a large stack of books. “What a nerd,” Joe thought. “Who wants to do homework over the weekend?”

Just then some kids ran toward the new guy, knocked the books out of his hands, tripped him, and began to laugh at him. His glasses went flying as he face-planted in the dirt. Joe’s heart went out to him and he ran over to help the teary-eyed boy.
Together they gathered the boys’ things as Joe introduced himself. The boy’s name was Kyle and he had just transferred from a private school. Joe felt he should offer more than just a helping hand so he asked if Kyle would like to tag along for his fun weekend. Kyle gratefully accepted. He fit in well with Joe’s friends and the following Monday, Joe helped Kyle carry his large stack of books into school.

Over the next four years, Kyle and Joe became almost inseparable. As the high school years went on, Kyle became more and more popular and handsome but remained a nerd, a fact which Joe always joked with him about. Kyle was the class valedictorian. He opted for Georgetown University with a desire to become a doctor while Joe was headed to Duke University on a football scholarship, seeking a business degree. They knew they would always remain close friends.

As Kyle delivered his valedictorian speech he used the usual cliches and thanked the expected people. Yet, his concluding thoughts shocked everyone, especially Joe.

Kyle told of the first day he and Joe met. Kyle was carrying a lot of books that day because he had cleaned out his locker with the intent to go home and commit suicide.

It was Joe’s actions and his offer of friendship that had made all the difference and saved him from the unspeakable.
Kyle concluded with this thought: “Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life for better or for worse.”

We never know what a person is going through so we need to make the effort to spread the love of God to everyone. We may never know what impact our words and actions can have on someone else.

Considers some of Solomon’s words on the tongue and friendship:
• Proverbs 15:4: A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit.
• Proverbs 16:24: Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
• Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
• Proverbs 25:11: Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.
Be a friend, change a life!
Monticello Church of Christ is located at 475 S. Jefferson St. Sunday Morning Worship is held at 11 a.m. Contact Pastor Peeler at (615) 483-8950 to find out how and where the services will take place, due to the coronavirus pandemic.