CHOOSING FRIENDS
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character". 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
As parents, my husband and I stress to our children the importance of choosing godly friends who are willing to share in their joys as well as in their struggles. We want them to have steadfast friends -- people they know they can count on, no matter what happens.
It is important for all of us to choose friends who uplift and encourage us. However, we also need friends who will tell us when we stray from God's ways and lovingly guide us back to the right path.
I have been blessed with such a friend. When I need someone to pray with me or just listen to my joys and sorrows, she is the one I call. I often turn to her for wise and godly guidance. I can count on her to encourage me, but I also know that she will gently nudge me back on course if necessary. The friends we want for ourselves and our children demonstrate these qualities of love as well as those mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13.
We have no friend greater than Christ. However, God also places godly people in our path to befriend us. We can be thankful for them and their influence on our lives. In turn, it is also our privilege as followers of Christ to be that same kind of friend to others.
Marcia Hodge
