“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
Reflect
I have been blessed to have friendships in my life that have done me quite a bit of good. I have also had some in my life that have done me quite a bit of damage. Though the pain and heartache from those experiences with bad friendships are redeemable, and God has been so gracious to do so, it stirs a caution when inviting people into your “inner circle”. As Christians, we are in the world, but the Bible warns us that friendship with the world can be quite dangerous and if we are not careful, and it can turn us from the One who came to set us free from it (James 4:4).
Godly friendships are precious. They are to sharpen us. They are to encourage and to edify us (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We are still in a fallen world with fallen tendencies, but with the wisdom that comes from God, our friendships with brothers and sisters in Christ help mold us into the image of Him, which is our sanctification (Ephesians 4:29). There is no such thing as a lone wolf in the body of Christ. We must cultivate friendships that have an eternal impact on our walks, and in turn, learn to be that friend as well.
How do we do this? Our example comes from the true friend that sticks closer than any brother (Proverbs 18:24). Christ told His disciples that He no longer called them servants, but now in Him, they were His friends (John 15:15). It is so with every born-again believer in Him. Let us strive to be godly friends, form godly friendships, and look to the One who has made us all one in His redemption and salvation–our forever faithful friend (2 Timothy 2:13).
Pray
God our Father, what a friend we have in Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to rescue us from this world and ourselves. Please give us the wisdom, grace, and mercy when it comes to being friends to one another. Help us always point each other back to You, and in doing so, the world as well. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Your Turn
What does it mean to be a godly and faithful friend? Do you have men and women in your life that exhibit Christ-likeness in your friendships, or do you have people that would turn you way from Him? Examine your relationships today!
