The Bible has lots of advice on the type of people to surround yourself with. “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble,”1 for example, and, “Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits.”2

I’d usually taken that kind of scripture to mean “Don’t get involved with bad company who will push you to do drugs, steal, harm others, etc.” And, for sure, we should stay away from people caught up in those kinds of behaviors. But upon reflection, I’ve begun to grasp a further, more “everyday” understanding of this warning.

The other day, I read a very interesting article about moods. A study led by the University of Warwick indicated that, like a cold, good and bad moods can be “picked up” from those around you. “Evidence suggests moods may spread from person to person via a process known as social contagion,” said Public Health statistics researcher Rob Eyre, who led the study. In addition to good or bad moods, even symptoms of depression like helplessness and loss of interest can spread. As you would expect, friends and family have the greatest impact.

Day by day, the choices we make and the company we keep contribute to who we will become. God has wonderful, loving plans and a special, unique destiny for us to fulfill. So let’s not allow ourselves to soak up or disperse negative vibes, habits, or moods. Let’s find joy in good company and, at every opportunity, spread His love to others!

If you would like to experience Jesus’ love, joy, comfort, and peace, you can. It starts with accepting Him as your Savior and inviting Him into your life, which you can do by praying this prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for dying for me so I can have eternal life. Please forgive me for every wrong and unloving thing I have ever done. Come into my heart, give me Your gift of eternal life, and help me to know Your love and peace.

  1. Proverbs 13:20 NLT
  2. 1 Corinthians 15:33