Choose your friends carefully. They will greatly influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards. A true friend will encourage you to be your best self.
To have good friends, be a good friend yourself. Show interest in others and let them know you care about them. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Go out of your way to be a friend to those who are shy or do not feel included.
Invite your friends of other faiths to your Church meetings and activities, where they can learn about the gospel. Help them feel welcome and wanted. Many people have joined the Church through the example and fellowship of their friends. Don’t be offended if your friends decline your invitation to learn more about the gospel. Just continue to be their friend.
Make a special effort to reach out to new converts and to those who are less active. Help them feel welcome among your group of friends. You can strengthen them by sharing your testimony and by setting a good example (For the Strength of Youth, 12-13).
The words of modern prophets and apostles of Jesus Christ have influenced me to be a friend to everyone. President Dieter F. Uctodorf, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and member of His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also called “Mormons” by friends of our faith), testified that “Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father.” Knowing that God sees the worth and potential in all of His children- no matter their faith, color, or sex- has helped me to reach out and be a friend to all (See Matthew 25:40). And how grateful I am for those friends who have reminded me that I am a child of God and am of great worth (See Doctrine and Covenants 108:7). That is the power of true friendship!
Living out a great season of my life, thanks to Jesus Christ, and two wonderful daughters, a great life’s work. Loving this opportunity to share faith online…
I’m a single Mom, convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, second-gen Italian, from the East coast originally. Love the fine arts, dance, frozen yogurt, temples, scriptures, writing, jazz, helping others reach their potential, king salmon, ….and not in that order. God is good. I feel it deeply when people have a misconception of Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ, His Son, that lessens or cheapens Them and blinds one’s ability to feel His presence or to trust in an ultimately good eternal end to life’s circumstances.
