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How can I tell if a friendship is unhealthy?
By looking at character.
Psalm 1
When you and your friend share different values, it's easy to feel as if your friendship is unhealthy. Yet having a friend with different standards and morals isn't necessarily wrong—if you stand up for what you believe and refuse to compromise your standards. You can respect your friend for the godly qualities (s)he shows, but pray (s)he'll find the truth and love of God through Jesus Christ. Love him/her with a genuine, humble heart and stay away from an attitude of superiority.
If, however, and friend—no matter what his/her beliefs—offers evil advice or sneer at God, put some distance between you and that person for a while. Don't let yourself fall into cynical, scoffing ways, but be grateful to God in all things. Ask God to guide you in the details of this friendship.
In any case, nourish yourself with God's Word and delight yourself in God's love. Watch those at your church who reflect God's love and pick up their gentleness and kindness. When your roots go down deep with God, you are better equipped to let Him use you to salt the earth and light the world. (See also Proverbs 4:14, 15; 22:24, 25; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.)
Good Words to Remember:
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
Today's Challenge:
There's an old adage: You become like your companions. What kind of characters do your friends have?
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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