God's Friday

God's Friday by Wilhelmina Stitch is an inspiring Christian poem that reminds us that we are God's children and that His love should be reflected in the way we live. The poem points us toward kindness, love for one another, service, gratitude, and faithfulness to God's Word.

As children, many of us heard the words, "Now promise that you will be good." Stitch uses this familiar thought to remind us that we are also children of God. We are called to be kind and compassionate, and when we give our word, we should do our best to remain true to it.

The poem also reminds us of the command to love one another. This is not something to remember only on Good Friday, but something to carry with us every day. Even when someone disappoints us or says something hurtful, we are called to respond with compassion rather than retaliation. When love guides our outlook, it can also change the way we respond to others.

Stitch then turns our attention from ourselves toward serving others. Our human nature can sometimes put our own wants first, but the life of Jesus gives us a different example. He served others and ultimately gave His life for us. Following Him means learning to put aside jealousy, hatred, and selfishness and choosing instead to live with love and concern for others.

The poem closes with gratitude, encouraging us to go forward with thankful hearts. Its message gives us much to consider as we remember Christ's sacrifice and think about how our faith should be reflected in the way we live.

Children, be good and love each other. Wilhelmina Stitch

Updated September 16, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

God's Friday

Like children we will strive to be, earnest in work and kind in play,
for we have heard the Father's plea on this His day.
How often in our youth we heard, "Now promise that you will be good,"
And always tried to keep our word as children should.

God's Friday! We can hear Him plead:
"Children, be good and love each other.
Open your hearts that you may heed your Elder Brother."
He walks among you down the years, and from His lips one message falls,
"For man's contempt I have no ears - My Father calls."

God's Friday! How to celebrate?
By thrusting avid Self aside,
by slaying jealousy and hate -
for One who died.

With gratitude now go your way.
Per-chance we'll hear our Father speak on this His day.

Key Reflections

  • God Calls Us To Love One Another

    The poem reminds us that being God's children should influence the way we treat each other. Kindness, compassion, and love are not meant for one special day, but should be part of how we live each day.

  • Following Jesus Means Looking Beyond Ourselves

    Wilhelmina Stitch encourages us to put selfishness, jealousy, and hatred aside. Jesus showed us through His life that serving others and responding with love are important parts of living our faith.

  • Good Friday Calls Us To Remember Christ's Sacrifice

    The words "for One who died" turn our thoughts toward Jesus and the sacrifice He made. Remembering His love gives us reason to consider whether our own actions reflect the example He gave us.

  • Gratitude Keeps Our Hearts Turned Toward God

    The poem closes by encouraging us to continue on our way with gratitude. A thankful heart helps us recognize God's goodness and remain open to His guidance in our lives.


Conclusion

God's Friday reminds us that remembering Christ's sacrifice should influence more than our thoughts on one particular day. His example calls us to live with love, kindness, humility, and a willingness to serve others.

As Wilhelmina Stitch encourages us to go on our way with gratitude, may we also carry the message of this poem into our everyday lives. May we put aside jealousy and selfishness, love one another more freely, and allow our words and actions to reflect the faith we profess.