A Scout is Friendly - Scoutmaster Minute

A Scout is friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their customs are different from his own .

Prejudice is pre-judging an idea, object or person before we have all the facts.

Prejudice is usually an attitude toward members of another race, ethnicity, national origin, or system of belief based on second hand information instead of first hand knowledge.

First hand knowledge comes from freely extending friendship and ignoring our prejudicial thoughts and attitudes.

I may be well spoken, but if I have no friends, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell.

I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains—but if I have no friends, I am nothing.

I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned —but if I have no friends, this does me no good.

Friends are patient and kind; not jealous or conceited or proud; friends are not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; friends do not keep a record of wrongs; friends are unhappy with evil, but happy with the truth.

Friends never give up; their faith, hope, and patience never fail.

Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13 These four should be understood as warm-hearted friends: One who is a helpmate; guarding and protecting, a refuge in danger, giving more than is asked. One who is the same in happiness and sorrow; sharing and guarding confidences, remains a friend when things are bad, giving of themselves. One who gives good counsel; refrains from evil, encourages us to do good, informs us what is unknown of oneself, who is a good example. One who sympathizes; rejoices in prosperity and not misfortune, will not listen to or spread gossip, speaks well of their friend.

Adapted from the Sigalovada Sutta: The Layman’s Code of Discipline (Digha Nikaya, No. 31)