Family Activity

Persistence and Loyalty as Family Values

People come and go in our lives. But, a few special friendships remain for a lifetime. Loyalty and persistence mark the character of the true friend. They stay with us through times of scandal and loneliness. Jesus experienced those times. So do we.

Persistence and loyalty are two virtues families should foster. Both build solid family relationships and solid friendships. Introduce these virtues into a family discussion. Ask family members who are true friends and who are "fair-weather" friends. Discuss why some people remain loyal and why others leave when the going gets tough. Then, read John 6:60-69. Ask how Jesus must have felt when his followers left him. Ask how Jesus felt when Simon Peter said he would stay. Finish with a prayer for true friends and forgiveness for those who leave us.