Lent Day 14: Choosing friends


Anxiety weighs down the heart,
    but a kind word cheers it up.

The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

In the way of righteousness there is life;
    along that path is immortality.
Proverbs 12:25-26, 28 NIV

A few of my wonderful friends ... long distance counsel
Every time I read the gospels, I marvel at Jesus' choice of friends. These men and women were his travel companions, his confidants, and his sounding board.
  • Some were professionals (Matthew, Nicodemus, perhaps Nathaniel), some were tradespeople or laborers (Peter, James, and John). 
  • Some cared about money (Peter collected tax money from a fish; Judas took care of the finances). 
  • Some were philosophers by nature (John, Nathaniel). 
  • Some were worker bees (Martha) while others were more contemplative (Mary).
  • Some were careful in believing (Thomas) while others were impulsive early adapters (Peter's confession). 
Not all in the inner circle were faithful friends all the time. 
  • Peter denied Jesus. 
  • Judas betrayed him. 
  • Thomas doubted him. 
  • Martha scolded him. 
  • Mary accused him of coming too late to heal her brother. 
  • Most of the disciples ran away when Jesus was arrested by religious leaders.
But many helped along the way. 
  • There were financial supporters and hospitable hosts.
  • Good friends listened and paid attention to Jesus' teachings. 
  • Some stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross. The women watched from afar. John came near enough to take over responsibility for Mary, Jesus' mother. 
That gives me hope as a friend and hope in my friends. You know who you are, dear ones. 

May God give each of us wisdom and his love so we can be friends with him ... and then also be good friends to others.

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