𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑬𝑹 𝑶𝑭 𝑾𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑮 𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑶𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵

𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑻𝑶 𝑫𝑰𝑺𝑪𝑬𝑹𝑵 𝑨 𝑮𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑶𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑻𝑬 (𝑪𝒉 1 𝒐𝒇 𝐏𝐫𝐭 1)

It is very difficult to read the mind of people, or probably know the plain truth about them. But one thing for sure is this: there is a possibility by which you can justify the fact that mister A or B is one of the kind you can trust.

However, one can justify the fact that Mr. Emmanuel is a reliable person through discerning ability and examination of actions. What he says compared to what he does.

You can also examine every step of a person to find his or her root. Most importantly, what they say and do. Do they practice what they say? Study the language of their lips and compare it with their lifestyle. If the language of their lips doesn't align with their real lifestyle don't hesitate to offer them goodbye.

Oftentimes people speak but their action doesnt reveal or align with what they say. To discern good people around you is to know them by their words, always remember that.

When I was growing up as a teenager, I had a friend who always compromised on whatever he said. Several times he told me about his commitment and how he loved to be in the house of God (Church), but the problem I had with him was that, when it comes to Church activities or weekly programs as usual you hardly find him.

I soon realized that hes that kind of a person who doesn't keep to his words, like one of those Pharisees who hide to mislead people. For they preach, but do not practice what they preach (Mathew 23:3).

In this corruptible generation, it is expected that one should be very careful with the kind of people he or she mingles with.

Just because they say something doesn't mean you should instantly believe them, even if they're telling the truth.

A lot of people have fallen victim to their new friends because they haven't taken time to put them to the test.

What do you think compels men to easily believe people they don't know too well?

Dont just assume that the people you meet, walk or associate with are hundred percent moral because he or she said so, but have some thorough examination of their actions. Does what they say show in their lifestyle? Until you find trust in them, don't give them your confidence .

A trustworthy person is he that manifests what he communicates. We're completely in a new era now that one has to know what comes in and what goes out. I barely trust strangers, I give them trial.

Who then is an associate?

𝑨𝒏 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 is a friend or any profession or organization you are connected with according to the dictionary. In other angles an associate can simply be defined as a partner in business, relationship, friendship and the like.

I believe without an associate (friend) life itself will be lonely. Life can truly be boring without an associate; that is why God said in Genesis 2:18, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. Although the scripture is speaking from a viewpoint of family relationship, it's also applicable to any kind of relationship. Eve, became an associate partner and a helper fit for Adam.

Likewise today we don't just need friends, but good friends.

A bad friend can be very dangerous. I have seen many people who ignorantly keep bad friends instead of good friends.

Dont be ignorant that wrong association leads to disappointment, regret and sorrow.

In this chapter I have serially identified some of the characteristics of a good associate that will help you distinguish between the good and the bad friends.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞:

A friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17)

As the scripture says, friendship is based on love. There is no way I can associate myself with someone I do not love or trust.

Now, love means many things to many people, but in this case I'm talking about a love for a friend. As good friends we're mandated to model the love of Christ to one another.

True friends love consistently. It doesnt quit no matter what. It endures. It doesn't molest or despise. It cherishes, adores and upholds. There is precisely no friendship without true love. Love is the epitome of genuine friendship.

Perhaps, you have friends who only stick around when things are going well for you, but as soon as you lose everything and can no longer meet up with their expectations they run away. Is a sign that they are not genuine. If they're, they would have stayed no matter the storm.

The best way to discern good friends is to examine them and analyze their actions.

Observe mindfully, do they love you at all times? If not then don't hesitate to deprive them from your life. They are not qualified to stay not because they are bad or something but because they are not meant for you.

(𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 2 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕)