Who Is Your Sosthenes?

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Last school year one the high school kids I work with said something in passing about the girlfriend of one of his friends. He thought that nobody heard what he had said, but somehow word got around that he was "bad-mouthing" this girl. I will be the first to admit that this boy, and to make things easier we'll just call him Paul, says a lot of things without thinking. It is very possible that Paul did say the things he was being accused of, but knowing Paul I really doubt he said it to the extent he was being blamed for.

Paul's friend, let's call him Sosthenes, came up to the classroom to confront Paul, bringing with him others who were out to encourage a fight. I can't say I blame him, or them, really, as Paul is known as someone who says things. As I said, though, I know Paul, and this thing he was being blamed for wasn't true. As the group gathered around Paul, and the cries for harm grew louder, one of Paul's real friends, the one who stands by your side no matter what, came to his rescue.

This friend, let's call him Gallio to make it easier, was with Paul when the words Paul was being accused of saying was said. It was obvious Sosthenes didn't want the discussion to get out of hand, but the cries from those who came with him were relentless. Gallio told the group that there was no way Paul said the things they were accusing him of, and if they wanted to get to Paul they had to go through him first. Because Gallio was very much respected by the group, they backed off, instead picking on Sosthenes, calling him names which demeaned his masculinity.

Later it was found out that the group ousted Sosthenes, saying he wasn't strong enough to do what was necessary. His girlfriend also broke up with him, thinking he couldn't defend her honor. But deep down I believe that he knew what Gallio said was right.

About a week later I saw Paul, Gallio, and Sosthenes talking in the classroom, acting like 16 and 17-year olds should. They seemed to be closer as friends, which is probably the result of Sosthenes' decision not to go along with the cries of harm, and instead going with reconciliation.

I'm sure the three of them get ridiculed almost daily for their actions, but you know what, I don't think they pay any attention to that. Instead the three of them choose to rise above it all and be the best friends they can be to one another; partners, if you will, along the journey of life.