HOW CAN YOU HAVE GOOD FRIENDS?

We are saying that little children need a pal, but when you become adolescence you need to have friends. What is the difference between pal and friends?

Pal is the one that always with you.

A friend is not only always with you, but the one with the same principle as you.

MOREOVER, the Bible says that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)  That’s how to define a true friendship and not just a pal only.

In fact, as you grow, you need a friends that;

1. Has GOOD BEHAVIOUR

2. COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS OF THE BIBLE

3. GOOD INFLUENCE

The question is??? How do you find such that friends?

FRIEND #1 — GOOD BEHAVIOUR

What you should know is not all are true friends. Bible says that “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24) You can’t believe? Think about this: Have you ever had a "friend" who took advantage of your kindness? Or one that insinuating or spread rumors about you? Your trust to your friend can be changed because of that. Always remember, it doesn’t matter that you have only few friends, as long as they are TRUE to you.

What can you do? Choose friends with exemplary qualities.

FRIEND # 2 – COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS OF THE BIBLE

What you should know is if you are desperate to have friends, maybe you will choose just anyone else. Bible says “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20) The word "fools" does not refer to low standard or stupid people rather, they are the people who do not accept explanation and trendy to the moral standards – friends that you don’t need!

What can you do? Be wise when you choosing a friend. “I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.” (Awit 26:4) It doesn’t mean that you need to discriminate, it only means that you must know how to observe, “Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:18)

FRIEND #3 — GOOD INFLUENCE

What you should know? Bible says “Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

What can you do? Discontinue your friendship for those who make you subservient to their lifestyle. When you do this, it may reduce the number of your friends; but increase the respect to yourself and you'll have more good friends – friends with a good influence. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's.” (Romans 12:2.)