Counsel #24 — Reflect, Improve, Connect

Picture: Counsel #24 — Reflect, Improve, ConnectCR 42.1

Evaluating yourself as a friend means taking the time to reflect on your actions, words, and attitudes as it relates to your relationships with others. Self-evaluation allows you to identify areas for growth, such as being more supportive, reliable, or empathetic, while simultaneously celebrating the qualities you already bring to the relationship.CR 42.2

Additionally, self-evaluation also promotes accountability and maturity. By acknowledging any shortcomings—such as neglecting communication or unintentionally causing hurt—you can take steps to improve and strengthen the bond. As you enter a space of self-reflection, think about your recent interactions with a close friend and ask yourself certain questions. Have you been reliable and supportive? Have you been respectful of their boundaries, giving them space when needed or respecting their time and choices? Have you brought positivity to the friendship by continuously uplifting them, or have you been negative in your conversations? God wants you to regularly evaluate yourself to ensure that you approach every friendship with intentionality, respect, and compassion.^{[43]https://yorksda.adventistchurch.org.uk/bibleinfo_topics/friendship?_=1734882843347.9092}CR 42.3

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5 NIVCR 42.4

“There is a necessity for close self-examination, and to closely investigate in the light of God's Word, Am I sound, or am I rotten, at heart?” Ellen White in Messages to Young People, p. 80CR 42.5

Reflect: How can you become a better friend? CR 42.6