RealSample

There are a lot of reasons to be someone's friend. Maybe you think they're cool, make you laugh, have similar interests, or it's just convenient. These things alone don't necessarily make someone good friend material. Some of those things can be pretty superficial reasons to be someone's friend. A person can be cool, funny, have a lot in common with you, and always be available to hang out, but still not be a great influence. Many Bible passages seem to tell us pretty clearly not to hang out with people who are bad influences. It's good advice, but why did Jesus hang out with so many "sinners?" Jesus wasn't just thoughtlessly hanging out with whoever he happened to meet or whoever was easiest to plan hangouts with. Jesus chose his relationships wisely and, through his example, invites us to do the same. Real friends don't have to be perfect, but real friends choose each other wisely.