The Scout Law: Friendly

September 22, 2025

This week we pick up our twelve-part series on the Scout Law, having honored the life of Eagle Scout, Charlie Kirk, last week. This week we explore the fourth point: Friendly. When I became a scout at eleven, the Scout Law became my guide, not just for scouting but for life. Friendly stands out as a call to approach others with warmth and openness, a value that knit together America’s communities in its formative years. As the school year begins, teaching new scouts this principle reminds me how friendliness builds bridges by fostering unity and understanding. In a world often marked by division, being friendly is a simple, yet profound way, to reflect integrity and strengthen our nation.

Friendliness means more than a smile or a wave; it’s an attitude of genuine care welcoming others regardless of their differences. In America’s past, neighbors greeted each other warmly, and strangers were often met with hospitality. Today, with hurried lives and digital screens, friendliness can feel scarce, yet it’s vital for community. Being friendly doesn’t require grand gestures. It is the small acts of kindness that show others they matter, even when it stretches us beyond our comfort zone.

We have a tradition in our scout troop that reflects the power of this character trait. We spend time each year teaching our older scouts to notice, encourage, and befriend the younger scouts. I have heard so many wonderful stories of scouts recalling the older scout that made them feel special, and how it was important in their decision to commit to scouting and become an Eagle Scout.

Scripture affirms this value. In Romans 12:10, Paul writes, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Friendliness reflects Christ’s love, welcoming others as He did, even those society overlooked. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 shows Jesus extending friendship to a despised tax collector, transforming his life. God calls us to be friendly, not for recognition, but to reflect His heart, building connections that honor Him.

Friendliness not only shapes the troop, but it also shapes those around us. When we take our older scouts on High Adventure, we may go into the wilderness hiking or canoeing for five to ten days. When we leave the cars behind us, all we have is what is in our backpacks. I know from experience that things are going to go wrong, get lost or even ruined by rain. These become important moments for the crew to come together. Early in the trip, they will invariably look at the poor scout in trouble but not know, or refuse to share, what is needed to help the scout out, not sure what the future could bring. I will work behind the scenes to try to teach them how important working together as a crew is, especially in the wilderness. One act of friendliness almost always starts the trend for the week. After a few days, they learn to depend on one another, and everyone is quick to help in situations of need. Friendliness is crucial to the success of the crew when we are in the wilderness.

Have you considered what friendliness looks like in your life? Maybe it’s greeting a new coworker, including someone left out at a gathering, or listening to a neighbor’s story, even when you’re busy. Reflect on a time when being friendly made a difference. How did it affect you or those around you?

Who in your life models friendliness? Perhaps it’s a friend who always makes time to listen, a teacher who welcomes every student, or a family member who radiates warmth. These examples inspire us to live better. As Philippians 3:17 encourages, “Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Your friendliness can influence others, young or old.

How might more friendliness strengthen our nation? Picture neighborhoods where people greet each other with genuine care, welcome new residents and help them settle in the new community. Friendliness fosters trust and unity, values that made America great and can do so again. As we anchor ourselves in Christ, prayer and Scripture guide us to live with warmth. Psalm 86:11 prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.”

Do you see yourself as friendly? When did you last go out of your way to make someone feel welcome? Who in your life models friendliness? How does their example inspire you? How could more friendliness in our nation make us stronger today?

Let’s commit to being friendly, reflecting God’s love. Consider adding friendliness to your list of values and challenge your family to do the same. Praise be to God, whose kindness draws us closer to Him! (To learn more about Al Earley or read previous articles, see www.lagrangepres.org. You can purchase my book, My Faith Journal, at Amazon.com, a compilation of 366 articles as a daily devotional. Check out my podcast on YouTube, called “My Faith Journey”).