Hanging out with friends

[Angelica]

Hey,

I have gained quite a few Christian friends, but I hardly get to hang out(spend time)with them.  The only time I get to spend with them is if I see them at church or going somewhere with the church.

But I was just wondering if it was safe to just hang out with friends(spend time).  I have never really experienced hanging out with friends but I would like to try to get to know my friends a little more.  So I figure that if I get to spend time with them I will know them more.

Thanks,
Angelica

[JudgeNot]

Hi Angelica –
I dislike seeing questions go unanswered, so let me give it a shot…

My aunt passed on to me a very simple litmus test:  “If it makes you feel guilty, don’t do it.”  

“Hanging out” is socializing with your peers.  Back when I was young we called it ‘hanging out’.   Some things never change.  

Wanting to spend time with peers is natural.  We all crave interaction with like-minded people in our own age-groups.  

Hang out productively.  Don’t hang out aimlessly.  If you don’t have specific plans hang out at one of your friend’s homes rather than aimlessly roaming Main Street.  You know what I mean.  If you’ve got enough of this extra ‘hanging out time’ then plan to regularly get involved something helpful or productive – I’ll let you define ‘helpful and productive’, but it should be something you and your friends can do together and will enjoy doing together.  And watch for the 'guilt factor' - if you start feeling guilty chances are there is a good reason.

Hang with people who share your Christian values.  Always make sure a family member knows where/when/who you’re hanging out with.  

And last is first: always make sure Jesus is included in the group.  

Sincerely,
DAD  

[Soldier4Christ]

I just now am seeing this post?? I must have been asleep for awhile, but it looks like Judgenot did a really good job of answering it. Great job, Dad.  

[JudgeNot]

 It must come from having raised a daughter to the ripe old age of 18.  

If she lives beyond 18 it will be because I'm afraid of going to hell if I murder her.      

Angelica asks a very important question and the solutions are ones we must live by our entire life - nine to ninety.  

I certainly wish I had followed my advice when I was Angelica's age.  

Angelica; you sound like you're are at just the age where the next five or so years of your life will the basis of the foundation on which you build the WHOLE rest of your life.  Doing wise things is quite hard for oldsters, much less youngsters.  

Angelica: BE WISE. (Jesus will help - just ask Him!)  

God bless,
JN

[Gaurav]

Hey
You're very lucky that you have Christian friends, with whom you want to socialise with. I, unfortunately, do not have such luck. Many of Chrisitian friends have stopped coming to church and this is such a shame. I just wanted to say that I think it's important to socialise with Christian friends, not just in a 'Church' context but at a friendship level. Our God is one of love and by socialising, you are showing your friends how much you care for them.


I would warn you, however, that you should not do anything that displeases you. Keep on the straight path and God will bless you for it.