The next topic in the “For the Strength of the Youth” guide is friends. This can be an important topic to have a family home evening lesson on because of the strong influences friends can have on you and your children. As you prepare this lesson, make sure that you are in tune with the spirit. If there are certain friends of you children who you do not approve of try not to bring up specific names in front of the whole family. This could cause a lot of unnecessary conflict. It would be better to talk to that child alone after the lesson.
You can begin by reading Matthew 25:40 as a family. Then as a family read the guidelines listed in the “For the Strength of Youth” guide on pages twelve and thirteen. There are two scripture stories, which you can talk about in regards to having good friends or bad friends. The first is Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah and the choices that they made together. You can read this account in Mosiah 27. Another example of friends in the scriptures can be found as you read the story of Daniel and his friends as they stand up for what they believe in. You can read this account in Daniel 1:8-16. After you read or summarize these two accounts talk about how these young men were influenced by their friends. The choices they made in friends did make a difference in the lives that they led. You can explain that just because someone is not a member of the church that it means that he wouldn’t be a good friend. Rather you need to make friends who will support you in your beliefs and choices. Then discuss ways that each person can be a good friend to others. For the conclusion read Alma 17: 1-2.
If you have younger children you may want to follow the same format as above, since it does translate well for young children. You can tell the stories using the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon readers. You can find flannel board figures for the story of Daniel in “Daniel Obeys the Lord.” “Sharing Time: Be a Friend” has a fun craft that your children can complete which will help them find new ways to make friends.
If you are preparing this lesson for adults you may want to read “True Friends” by Elder Henry B. Eyring and “What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends” by Kathleen Hughes. You can discuss how to apply the principles discussed in these talks to your lives.
“I’ll Walk With You” on page 140 and “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” on page 78 are both excellent songs from the “Children’s Songbook. You can also choose a favorite hymn to sing as well. Do not forget to begin and end with a prayer, and to have some refreshments!