We are starting the second half of the Autumn Term by learning about the Christian Value of Friendship. Over the next half term we will be taking part in a number of ‘Friendship’ activities during Collective Worship and across the school.
Sharing a meal with someone is an explicit sign of friendship and the word ‘companion’ literally means ‘one with whom you share bread.’
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Jesus tells stories of the heavenly banquet to which all are invited.
The barriers between people are broken down in a loving community around God and Jesus had stern words to say to those who refused to recognise that all are included in this community of friendship.
The Bible has many sayings about friendship:
‘A friend loves at all times.’
Proverbs 17:17
Friends are not afraid to tell each other the truth and a friend’s loving criticism is worth more than the empty compliments of someone who does not really care for you.
‘Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.’
Proverbs 27:6
The writer of Ecclesiastes puts it very simply:
‘if one falls down, a friend can lift him up’
(Ecclesiastes 4:10)
The friendship of David and Jonathan is very strongly emphasised in the Bible, Abraham is described as the friend of God (James 2:23) and Jesus explicitly calls his disciples not servants but friends (John 15:14 – 15).
