Christian Friendship Means Loving Others Like Jesus
Friendship is one of the most important parts of growing up. Friends laugh together, learn together, encourage one another, and help each other through difficult times. As preteens grow older, however, they begin meeting people with different beliefs, values, and opinions.
Some friends may think differently about faith, identity, or relationships. Others may come from different cultures or religions. This often leads young Christians to ask an important question:
Can Christians be friends with people who believe differently?
The Bible gives a clear and encouraging answer.
Christian Friendship Means Loving Others Like Jesus
Christian friendship is about much more than spending time together or having the same interests.
It means choosing to love people the way Jesus loved them.
Jesus showed kindness to people who were often ignored. He welcomed those whom others rejected. He listened carefully, showed compassion, and spoke truth with grace.
His friendships remind us that we can care deeply for people without needing to agree on everything.
When we follow Jesus’ example, our friendships become opportunities to reflect His love in everyday life.
Can Christians Be Friends with People Who Believe Differently?
The simple answer is yes.
Christians don’t have to avoid people simply because they hold different opinions or beliefs.
In fact, Jesus often spent time with people who were very different from Himself. He ate with tax collectors, spoke with Samaritans, welcomed children, and showed compassion to people whom others avoided.
Friendship does not require complete agreement.
Healthy friendships are built on kindness, respect, honesty, and genuine care for one another.
As Christians, we can remain faithful to God’s truth while treating every person with dignity because every person is created in God’s image.
What Can We Learn from Jesus?
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus showed us how to balance truth and love.
He never compromised God’s truth.
At the same time, He never treated people with cruelty, ridicule, or disrespect.
Instead, He listened.
He encouraged.
He forgave.
He invited people to follow God.
His example teaches preteens that Christians can have meaningful friendships while still standing firmly on biblical truth.
Truth and Love Always Belong Together
Sometimes people think Christians must choose between truth and love.
The Bible teaches something different.
Truth without love can become harsh.
Love without truth can become confusing.
Jesus demonstrated both perfectly.
When preteens learn to speak kindly, listen respectfully, and treat others with compassion, they reflect the character of Christ, even during difficult conversations.
Whether discussing faith, identity, or other sensitive topics, God’s Word calls us to respond with both wisdom and grace.
Building Healthy Christian Friendships
Strong friendships don’t happen by accident.
They grow through everyday choices.
Encourage preteens to:
- Be kind to everyone.
- Listen before speaking.
- Respect people who think differently.
- Stand up for those who are excluded or bullied.
- Tell the truth with gentleness.
- Pray for their friends.
- Choose words that build others up.
These simple habits help young people become the kind of friend Jesus calls them to be.
Following Jesus in Every Friendship
One day, today’s preteens will study, work, and live alongside people from many different backgrounds and beliefs.
Preparing them now helps them become confident, compassionate followers of Jesus.
Christian friendship isn’t about winning arguments or avoiding people who think differently.
It’s about loving others well while remaining faithful to God’s Word.
When children learn this balance early, they’ll be better prepared to navigate friendships with wisdom, courage, humility, and Christlike love.
Ready-to-Teach Bible Lesson Series
If you’re looking for a complete, low-prep Bible lesson on this topic, Lesson 4 – Can I Be Friends with Someone Who Believes Differently? from the In Real Life (LGBTQ+ Series) helps preteens discover how Jesus modelled both truth and love in His relationships.
Designed for ages 10–13, this engaging lesson includes a Teacher Guide, Ice Breaker, Core Truth Bible teaching, Discussion, Friendship Toolbox activity, printable worksheets, and colouring pages. Students learn practical ways to build healthy Christian friendships, respond respectfully to different beliefs, and reflect Christ’s love in everyday relationships.
Explore the complete In Real Life (LGBTQ+ Series) in our Library of Bible Lessons for Preteens, where each lesson helps young people build a strong biblical foundation, grow in Christian character, and confidently follow Jesus in today’s world.
Also visit https://www.strengthinweakness.org/ for additional advice on LGBTQ+ matters.