FRIENDS

We are influenced by our friends, even more than our families, probably because we spend more time with friends than with family as we grow up. I assume this is why an adage says “Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are”, and not “show me your family”. Our lifestyle is defined by the company we keep. Therefore it is paramount that we chose our friends wisely. Our friends don’t choose us but we chose them. It is our choice to
decide who we want to walk with. We are often attracted to our kind of person. Our appearance and mindset will determine the kinds of people that will be attractive to us or attracted to us as friend.

A friend is someone whom we love and trust; a close companion. An example of good friendship is David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20:17), they were committed to one another. According to a quote, “Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you”. Friendship is commitment regardless of the situation.

A good friend stays with you when things are smooth and otherwise (Proverbs 17:17, 1 Samuel 19:1-2). He won’t hesitate to share things (Knowledge, money, materials etc.) with you (1 Samuel 18:4). He watches out for you and always has your back covered (1 Samuel 19:1-2). He is willing to go extra miles for you (1 Samuel 20:4). He loves you genuinely (1 Samuel 20:17) and not for what is to be gained from you. He is considered as a family (1 Samuel 20:42).

1 Corinthians 15:33 says “evil communication corrupt good manners”. An example of bad friendship is Amnon and Jonadab (2 Samuel 13). A bad friend encourages you to do evil (2 Samuel 13:3-5). He won’t stay with you when you dance to the tune of your evil deed (2 Samuel 13:23-29). The consequence of his advice will not only live you miserable but also affect everyone around you; Amnon died, Tamar lived a sad and lonely life (2 Samuel 13:20), Absalom became a refugee (2 Samuel 13: 37) while David and the entire household mourned for a long time (2 Samuel 13:36-38).

Deuteronomy 13:6-11 stated the expected reaction from the Israelites towards a close friend that wants to lead them astray. This is the same way you are not to accommodate bad friends in your lives. It is a serious situation that should not condone. 

As you evaluate your friends today, also evaluate yourself to know where you fall; Good Friend or Bad Friend. 

Proverbs 1:10 (THE MESSAGE)

Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don't go along with them.