Listen

The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. Instead of doing those things, these persons love the Lord’s Instruction, and they recite God’s Instruction day and night! They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.

Psalm 1:1-3

Think

Have you ever heard the expression, “Birds of a feather flock together.” It means that the company you keep is reflective of who you are as a person. Have you recently looked around at your friend group? Are they pursuing holiness or helping to lead you into temptation? Are they kind to others, or are they bullies? Are they helpful and kind, or do they make the people around them feel like trash?

Our reading reminds us that we ought not to follow wicked advice, hang out with folks actively choosing to do the wrong thing, or speak with those who are purposely disrespectful. Our friend groups either lift us up or pull us down. If you notice that you don’t currently have any other friends pursuing holiness, maybe it’s time to seek some new friendships that are pleasing in God’s sight.

Yolanda Denson-Byers

Question to Ponder:

How are your friends like Jesus?

Pray

Holy One, I want to have friends who help lead me closer to you. I also want to be a friend who does the same. Help me to choose my friends wisely. Amen.

Go

As you go about your day, intentionally seek opportunities to be more like Jesus. How can you increase your love, care, or gentleness toward others? Make it your goal to practice one random act of kindness today.