Wealth adds many friends, yet a poor man is deserted by his friend. Proverbs 19:4, TLV

How Do You Choose a Friend?     What are the reasons we are drawn to other people? What is it that compels us to be friends with one person over another?

There’s actually very little research about the friendship dynamic for adults. So, that leaves the field open for me to give my humble opinion which is based on my own experiences with healthy friendships and not-so-healthy relationships. And believe it or not, we can have both in our life.

What draws us to want to be friends with someone? Is it beauty? Popularity? Wealth? Shared history? Values? Similar behavior patterns or familiar behavior patterns? Talent? What is the answer to these options? All of them can play a role in whom we choose to invest in building relationships.

Have you ever had someone who chose you as a friend? Sought you out and persevered until they made their case that they would be good friends? I’ve been on both sides of that situation.

Nature

This proverb seems to indicate we are by nature a species that seeks out those who embody what we want in our own life. I suppose, if our goals are wholesome and Godly there’s nothing wrong with that.

But what if our Heavenly Father has additional goals for us? Ones that embrace the inclusion of folks who wouldn’t normally be on our “friend invite list?” People who aren’t what the world would consider successful or desirable? Yet, they offer the experiences of living a life of integrity? They have something to offer and need what we can offer?

The only way we’ll know that is if we take the time to get to know a person and prayerfully seek the LORD for guidance and confirmation.

I’ll be forever grateful to the friends who saw past the poor, odd, wounded woman to the person my Father created me to be. They are my most cherished treasures.

Think More About It

Have you been on either side of the non-invitee list of friends? What was your outcome?

Until tomorrow, may we be loyal to the friends God calls into our lives, my friends.

My friends and my companions stay away from my wound,
and my kinsmen stand far off.
They who seek my life set traps.
Those who seek my hurt threaten destruction, uttering lies all day. Psalm 38:12-13, TLV

Be honest. Are you sometimes ashamed, or maybe uncomfortable supporting Israel when everyone around you—including those you care about and respect—continues to spout lies and half-truths? Using discernment when speaking out is wise, but it is important to be purposeful about supporting Israel.

My friend texted me that she and her family are spending a lot of time in bomb shelters. Isolated from loved ones, jobs, congregations. Today, let’s pray that we do not avoid the “wound” of this terrible war and speak truth and comfort to Israel and her people. Amen? Chag Semeach, Shabbat Shalom, and God bless!