What role can friendships play in the development of our lives and our faith? Do we surround ourselves with people who give us courage to be the best we can be, or do our friends drag us down?
As adult leaders we can help young people understand the significance of friendships in providing a "collective courage" to help them rise above expectations of their culture, live out faith in hostile environments, and exercise faith in countercultural ways.
The Old Testament Daniel story is a powerful account of four young men who find the courage to stand for their faith in the midst of a hostile and seductive environment--even when it makes no logical sense. By using this story as the key text, teenagers can understand the significance of relationships when saying no to destructive elements of their culture, while saying yes to the life-affirming message of God.
Through studying this biblical story and reflecting on friendships, participants will be encouraged to form life-affirming friendships beginning with the very group studying this lesson together.