Counsel #6 — Positive Friends

Picture: Counsel #6 — Positive FriendsCI 95.1

Surround yourself with positive people. Those we spend time with have a huge impact on our mental health. Choose to be around people who are supportive, encouraging, and life-giving. Avoid people who bring you down or who make you feel bad about yourself. Communicate openly and honestly with your friends, while setting healthy boundaries and avoiding over-sharing.CI 95.2

Be the kind of friend who uplifts others, offers them spiritual encouragement, and celebrates their achievements. Listen attentively to their needs, be supportive where possible, and offer comfort during difficult times.^{[92]https://www.adventist.org/son/no-greater-friend/}CI 95.3

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJVCI 95.4

“Everyone will find companions or make them. And just in proportion to the strength of the friendship, will be the amount of influence which friends will exert over one another for good or for evil…If choice is made of companions who fear the Lord, the influence will lead to truth, to duty and to holiness. A truly Christian life is a power for God.” Ellen White in My Life Today, p. 204.5-204.6CI 95.5

Reflect: Are the people you spend time with uplifting and supportive, or do they drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted? Prioritize relationships that strengthen your connection with Jesus and bring you joy.CI 95.6