August 26 | What Kind of Friends Should I Have?
Proverbs 18:24, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
You should choose godly friends that truly love you and are reliable. The Bible warns that choosing the wrong kind of friends can lead to trouble. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 13:20, “a companion of fools suffers harm” and Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good character.” My parents always used to tell me, “You are who you hang around. If you want to see who you are, just look at your friends- they’re your mirror.”
Don’t take friendships lightly; they will have an impact on your life either for good or bad. Therefore, make the right kind of friends with prayer and spiritual discernment.
David and Jonathon are biblical examples of two friends that were closer than brothers. The Bible even says that David loved Jonathon more than a woman (i.e., “more than sex”) because he was the closest person in his life (2 Samuel 1:26). God wants you to have godly friends that are that close.
Though most friendships will be just acquaintances and some will only be companions, there will be a select few that will be close and intimate. Seek out the people in your life that do more than just tolerate you, but they appreciate and celebrate you. Look for those who want to accelerate and motivate you to be the best you possible. You should want close and intimate friends that help you in your weaknesses and stay until you get strong. You need friends that come cultivate your gifts and talents and help you grow and flourish in all areas of your life.
Good friends will tell you when you’re wrong and they’ll help you make it right. They will stand by your side when everyone else leaves and they will fight your battles with you. Real friends don’t just say they love you; they show you their love with their actions. If the devil can use people to hurt you, then God can use people to heal you. Don’t let past hurts and broken relationships keep you from finding good friends in life.
Begin to pray and ask God to give you healthy friendships that encourage and strengthen your faith. And remember you have to be a friend, to make a friend!
Reflection
Action
- Separate yourself from any ungodly friends that cause you spiritual harm.
- Pray and ask God to send you good Christian friends.
- Be a great friend and share life together with those who truly love you!