We were made to be in relationship with other people. From the very beginning in Genesis 2:18 we read: “It’s not good for man to be alone.” We need other people. We need friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 points out some of the practical benefits of friendship but there is more to it then simple pragmatics or felt needs. Proverbs 13:20 says “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Who we surrounded ourselves with shapes who we are and who we become. Our character is formed in the context of relationship. We see this right in the ministry of Jesus himself who surrounds himself with a group of friends that he builds up, builds into and leans on.