RELATIONSHIP IN THE SCHOOL

WHO IS A FRIEND?
A friend is a person you like very much and enjoying spending your time with. A friend can also be referred to as someone you can trust and are fond of. He/she is someone you think well of and are on good terms with. We all need people around us support from friends and others who cares for us go a long way in helping us get by in times of troubles. Research has also shown that people who have friends are happier, healthier and live longer. There is need to choose good friends because bad friends can change your focus and ruin your future.
Before you can choose a friend, you will need to know him/her. You will need to know his/her name, the things he/she enjoys doing, the things he/she likes or dislike, his/her hopes and fears, his/her parents, country and tribe, and ,his/her other friends.
OTHERS FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING A FRIEND ARE:
• Common interest: people who have a common interest, i.e, who have similar hobbies are likely to become friends. Such people would always want to spend their free time together. These interests could be in the areas of literature, i.e, books, sports, music, arts, school subject etc.
• Age: most times, people become friendly with those who belong to the same age group as they are. These people often meet at school, at home, in church and in their neigbourhood.
• Religion: people often become friendly with those who share their religious beliefs. Often times, they attend the same religious organization. This further strengthens the bond of friendship between them.
• Behaviour: the attitude people put up either brings people close to them or chases theem away. Most people become friendly with those who are polite, nice, caring, optimistic, hardworking etc. the behavioural traits they believe would help them become better people.
LET US CONSIDER THESE TWO FRIENDSHIP STORIES FROM THE BIBLE:
a. FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN DAVID AND JONATHAN [1 SAMUEL 18: 1-15]
David was the son of Jesse, a man from Bethlehem in Judah. Jonathan was the son of Saul the first king in Israel. There was a war between the Israelites and the philistines. Jesse send David to take food to his elder brothers in the war. When David heard the words of goliath, the leader of the Philistines, he decided to fight him. He had faith in the Lord.

He killed goliath and won victory for Israel. Everyone was happy with David. Saul was pleased with him and, brought him to his house to live with him. Jonathan loved David so much that he made covenant with him. He put his robe on him. He also gave him his armour, sword, bow and girdle. Jonathan loved David sincerely and they became friends.
b. THE FRIENDS AT MIDNIGHT [LUKE 11: 5-13]
There was a man who received a visitor at midnight. He had not food to entertain his visitor, he went to his friend who was already asleep. He knocked at his door but his friend did not want to help him. He continued begging and would not go. He was persistent. The friend rose up and gave him what he wanted because he would not leave him.

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE FRIENDS
From the two friendship stories, we discovered that some friends have genuine love and are reliable while some are not. The following qualities will guide you to identify a good friend.

1. Genuine love
2. Honesty: the person should be honest, truthful and trustworthy.
3. Hospitality: he must be accommodating and generous.
4. He/she must be ready to help you at all times
5. He/she must have the fear of god.
   EVALUATION
   i. Write the full details about your best friend in the school
   ii. What are the factors to consider when choosing friends?