Counsel #17 — Friends For Growth

Picture: Counsel #17 — Friends for GrowthCR 35.1

Choosing friends who bring out your best self is crucial for personal growth, mindfulness, and overall self-awareness. The company you keep significantly influences your character, decisions, perspectives, and values.CR 35.2

When evaluating your friendships, look at the quality of the relationship by examining the moments spent with each friend. Good friends inspire you to be your best self, offer uplifting support, hold you accountable, and encourage you to pursue and grow in your relationship with God. On the other hand, bad friends condone sinful behavior, never discuss God or Christian principles, and tempt you to do things that you know don’t align with your morals and beliefs. Proverbs 13:20 wisely reminds us to, “Walk with the wise and become wise,” emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences. As with everything in life, you must be intentional when choosing your friends — for who you surround yourself with will have a direct impact on the things you do and believe.^{[35]https://medium.com/@mrsrp.bible/the-power-of-friendship-in-faith-choosing-positive-influences-on-your-journey-29987d5b974b}CR 35.3

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” Proverbs 22:24-24 NIVCR 35.4

“Christian friends are not half as plentiful as they should be. In hours of temptation, in a crisis, what a value is a true friend!” Ellen White in Sons and Daughters of God, p. 161CR 35.5

Reflect: Evaluate your friendships. Do your friends make you a better person and encourage personal growth?CR 35.6