Joel M Bradshaw

20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.–Proverbs 13

I oversee support groups at my church. And to that end, I have leaders in place in each group who also have journeyed in that particular area. They once had “wounds” and they now have “scars.” People with “wounds” tend to listen to people with “scars.”

These leaders are to listen, learn, and love as they care for the people given to them. They are to be the best kinds of friends who use Godly wisdom to guide and shepherd.

Throughout the year, I have opportunities to send people to those groups. And in each circumstance, I intentionally connect the person with a group leader. A relationship needs to be built for care to take place. Wise friends are required for the journey.

To the young man struggling with purity or in recovery, I counsel to get a team of guys you can text at any hour. Brothers in arms.

To the grieving widow I recommend acquiring sisters to lean on and be blessed by. To my own children as I pray with them before school, they may not always have the friends, but they are challenged to be a good friend.

Wise friends are essential for the journey. See your story as one to be used for God’s glory. Rejoice in those “scars” for they no doubt encourage one with “wounds.” Collect wise friends travel alongside you. Be a good friend.–JMB