“Be a Friend,” Liahona, Mar. 1999, 48

Be a Friend

By Marissa D. Thompson

Did you know that when the Savior spoke about laying down His life for us, He called us His friends? (See John 15:13–14.)

Not all of us can be a sister, a brother, a cousin, or an aunt—but all of us can be a friend. To have a friend, you have to be a friend. So what’s the best way to be a friend? Try some of the ideas below.

Be a good listener.
Don’t gossip about other people with your friends. That way, they’ll know you won’t gossip about them.
Remember your friends on their birthdays.
Learn about your friends, such as where they were born, what they like to do, and what they love to eat.
Offer to help your friends with household chores, homework, or tending their brothers or sisters. These tasks are always more fun when done with a friend.
When your friends are ill, visit or write a get-well note so they know you’re thinking of them.
Take the initiative by offering to help plan activities and outings.
Remember important events, such as competitions or performances. Plan to be a part of the event, either by attending or by dropping off a note of encouragement.
Speak highly of your friends when talking to others.
Make sure your conversations aren’t always centered on you.
Be sympathetic to your friends’ problems.
When they offend you, speak to them about it in a sincere, kind way. They’ll appreciate your honesty.
Don’t take offense easily.
Have other interests and other friends. There can sometimes be too much of a good thing—and too much of a good friend.
Competition is common among friends. And while a little may be healthy, too much can end a friendship. Be careful you don’t get caught up in trying to do everything and anything better than your friends.
Love your friends for who they are, not for who they know or what they own.
Respect your friends’ privacy and trust. If they confide in you, keep it to yourself.
Give genuine compliments freely.
Pray that you will be a better friend.
Live your life in a way that causes your friends to thank Heavenly Father for a friend like you.

Photograph by Steve Bunderson