Your body is pretty amazing! Did you know that all the parts of your body are constantly “talking” to each other? Your brain tells your legs when to walk, your stomach tells your brain when you’re hungry, and your heart keeps pumping blood to every part of your body. When all the parts work together and communicate well, your body stays healthy and strong!

The Bible says that all Christians together make up the “Body of Christ.” Just like your physical body, the more we “talk” with other Christians and spend time together, the healthier our spiritual body—and spiritual family—becomes!

Summer is the perfect time to expand your circle of Christian friends! Instead of just hanging out with the same kids you always see at church, why not include some new people in your summer fun? You could invite new friends to your family cookouts, ask if someone wants to join your trip to the pool, or include kids you don’t know well in your games at church picnics.

When we get to know Christians from different families, different ages, or different backgrounds, God uses these new friendships to teach us cool new things about following Jesus! Maybe a younger kid will remind you how exciting it is to learn Bible stories. Or maybe an older teen will show you what it looks like to make tough decisions by following God’s Word.

Take Action: Think about your next summer activity—maybe a family barbecue, a trip to the park, or a fun day at the pool. Instead of just inviting your usual friends, ask your parents if you can invite one or two kids from church that you don’t know very well. Be intentional about including others and watch how God uses new friendships to make your faith stronger and more fun!