The Awake of December 8, 2004 says in the article "Good Friends, Bad Friends" under the subheading "Sizing Up Potential Friends":
"What opinion do mature and respectable people in the community have of him [the potential friend]? In addition, it is wise to consider not only how potential friends treat us but also how they treat others, particularly those from whom they have nothing to gain. Unless a person displays good qualities -- such as honesty, integrity, patience, and consideration -- at all times and to all people, what guarantee is there that he will always treat you well?"
So, for instance, if this potential friend had a habit of totally shunning former friends, even their own children or parents, because they choose to worship God differently, would that be a good choice as a friend? What if many people in the community thought your potential friend was a member of a cult, but he denied it and refused to discuss it with you? What if your new friend constantly encouraged you to abandon all your other friends and only wanted you to hang around him and his friends?
After carefully and prayerfully considering this fine spiritual food, I've concluded that Jehovah's Witnesses are not good association for me.
Thank you for this timely article!
Dave