READ: MATTHEW 9:9-13; LUKE 7:34-50; 1 PETER 3:15-16

Have you ever noticed how Jesus often spent time with people who were doing some pretty bad stuff? You may have wondered, “If that’s how Jesus acted, what should I do—especially if I’m supposed to avoid sin?” Sometimes Christians even ask, “Can I be friends with non-Christians?” The answer is, “Of course!” In fact, one of the ways people come to know Jesus is through friendship. God will help you show His love and truth to all your friends, whether they’re Christians or not. As you interact with your friends, remember these five things:

1. If you have a friend who isn’t a Christian, don’t expect them to act like one. But keep in mind, even as a Christian, you don’t always act like one either. We’re all sinners who need Jesus.

2. Don’t encourage friends to sin or participate with them in doing things that are wrong.

3. Learn what your friends believe so you can understand them better.

4. Talk to your friends about what Jesus has done in your life. Be honest about your own struggles and your ongoing need for Jesus. Be bold and kind!

5. If a friend shares a difficulty or hardship with you, show empathy and offer to pray with them. They may take you up on it; don’t force them though. Either way, pray for them on your own. Then, check back later to see how they’re doing and if there’s any other way you can help. And if they offer to help you with something you need, don’t be afraid to receive help too!

Ultimately, our friendships with others always point back to the most important friendship of all: God’s friendship with us. We can invite all our friends into deeper and deeper relationship with God by showing them who He is. And we can be free to be ourselves, imperfect as we are, trusting that the Holy Spirit is at work in and through us.

So, ask God who you can share Jesus’s amazing love with today. You can trust Him to guide you in what to say and do. Remember, because Jesus first loved us and invited us into friendship, we can show His love and friendship to others (1 John 4:19). • A. W. Smith

• Can you think of a time someone was a good friend to you? What did they say or do?

• As Christians, we don’t need to be afraid of being friends with non-Christians. But if you’re finding it difficult to follow Jesus because of your friendships, who are trusted Christian adults in your life who could help you navigate these relationships, such as a pastor, parent, or counselor?

Many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and his disciples. Matthew 9:10 (CSB)