Going PlacesSample

So, let's say you've become friends with someone new and different. You're becoming really good friends, but there's just one problem. You're not sure the rest of your friends are going to be as accepting of your them as you are.

Maybe the rest of your friends struggle with meeting new people or don't always do a good job of accepting people's differences. Maybe they're closed off to the idea of meeting new people. What can you do?

Well, you could just keep your new friend away from all your other friends and never deal with it. Or you could apologize to your new friend for your other friends' lack of openness.

Instead, what if you help your long-time friends be open to connecting with someone new?

The Bible calls this "letting your light shine." When other people see you doing something good, it not only inspires them to be better, but it points the way towards Jesus. In this case, you're helping your friends open their eyes to see the good in others.

So if you're worried that your friends aren't going to be accepting of new and different people, have that conversation with them. Tell them how you're feeling and challenge them to open up to the possibility of meeting some new friends. Maybe they'll listen. Maybe they won't. Either way, you are letting your light shine. As you see goodness in others, chances are that they'll also experience the goodness of God.