SCRIPTURE: “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Prov. 12:26
QUOTE: “Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.” –W Clement Stone
NOTE:
Committed friend are some of the one we sometimes get connected with by chance. If you have a handful of committed friends, you are doubly blessed. They will stand by you at all times and are ready to fight for you and defend you. Guard this friendship jealously. Protect these relationships. Nurture them, for without them you may not reach your goal of total well-being in life. However, it is advised we deliberately choose who our friends should be and who should not. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a friend or an associate.
Agreement: Those that agree with your interests, goals and aspirations in life. “Can two walk together except they be agreed.” Amos 3:3
Faithfulness: Faithfulness will stand by you no matter what happens. They will be there when things are good and when things are bad. They will never betray your trust in them. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Prov. 27:6
Mutual Love: True friendship is built on mutual love without which any relationship is useless. A true friend is someone who is someone who sees you at your worst but never forgets your best. 1Pet. 4:8
Value Adders: Those who will add value to your life. Real friends make your life better. They are those who are willing to sacrifice something. Prov. 27:17
ILLUSTRATION:
Friendship is by choice not force therefore, care is required. Friends entrust themselves rather than thrust themselves on each other.
REFLECTIONS:
- Ever made a bad choice of a particular friend?
- Are you easily influenced by your friends?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1Chr 20:1 – 22.1, Psalm 46