Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise
becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Not everyone
you come into relationship with is good for you. There are many people who use
relationships for material gain and nothing else. Then there are people you
meet who contribute to your life in positive ways. Knowing the difference
between them will have great impact on your life now and into the future.
The wounds
inflicted by unsafe people can be deep and lasting. If you have ever been a
relationship with someone who used, abused or abandoned you then you will
understand the dangers of unsafe people. If, on the other hand, you have found
someone who encouraged, supported and loved you then you know the lasting
impact they have had on your life, too.
“Safe people
are individuals who draw us closer to being the people God intended us to be.
Though not perfect, they are ‘good enough’ in their own character that the net
effect of their presence in our lives is positive. They are accepting, honest,
and present, and they help us bear good gruit in our lives.” (pg. 11, Safe
People)
A skill many
of us lack is the ability to discern the character of others. In biblical terms
it is being able to distinguish between the “sheep and the goats”. The wisdom to do this is given by God. He
gives this wisdom to those who ask for it, like he did for Solomon. In gaining this
wisdom we will find the resource needed to grow both personally and
spiritually.
