Melanie
The people we choose to befriend can have a profound impact on our lives, and this is especially true when it comes to our faith. The Bible is clear about the importance of choosing friends wisely, as they can either lift us up or lead us astray. The company we keep can influence our values, decisions, and even our relationship with God. So, when it comes to our faith, does our choice of friends matter? The answer is an unequivocal yes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| The influence of friends | "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble" (Proverbs 13:20) |
| The process of choosing friends | "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray" (Proverbs 12:26) |
| The impact of friends on personal growth | "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20) |
| The challenge of friendship | "A man who has friends must himself be friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24a) |
| The blessings of friendship | "There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24) |
What You'll Learn
The Bible's warnings about choosing friends
The Bible has a lot to say about choosing friends, and for good reason. Friends have a massive influence on our lives, and choosing the wrong ones can lead us away from God. The Bible warns us to be careful about who we give a "seat at the table" in our lives, as they can either lift us up or tear us down. Here are some key warnings from Scripture about choosing friends:
- Choose Carefully: Proverbs 12:26 says, "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." We need to be cautious about who we let into our inner circle, as the wrong friends can lead us astray from God and wise living.
- Choose Wisdom: Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." Our friends' wisdom, or lack thereof, can rub off on us. So, it is important to seek out friends who bring wisdom and avoid those who bring foolishness.
- Choose Reliability: Proverbs 18:24 warns, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." True friends are there for us when we need them. Unreliable friends can lead to ruin, so choose friends who are dependable and loyal.
- Choose Level-headedness: Proverbs 22:24-25 cautions, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared." Quick-tempered people can be dangerous influences, leading us into sinful behaviours. It is wise to choose friends with a calm and level-headed demeanour.
- Choose Integrity: 1 Corinthians 5:11 and 15:33 instruct, "I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people" and "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'." People with questionable character can corrupt our own character and lead us into sin. It is crucial to choose friends with integrity and strong moral values.
In conclusion, the Bible warns us to be discerning in our choice of friends. While Christians can be friendly with everyone, we must be careful about who we let into our inner circle. By heeding these warnings and choosing friends wisely, we can avoid negative influences and surround ourselves with people who will uplift us and help us draw closer to God.
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The Bible's blessings of friendship
The Bible is filled with verses that speak to the blessings of friendship. Friends are considered a gift from God and are described as a source of love, healing, joy, and encouragement.
The Bible also provides guidance on how to choose friends and how to be a good friend. For instance, Proverbs 12:26 advises readers to "choose carefully", stating that "the righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray". Similarly, Proverbs 13:20 highlights the importance of choosing friends who are wise, as "a companion of fools suffers harm".
Other characteristics of a good friend, according to the Bible, include being reliable, level-headed, and having integrity. Proverbs 18:24 describes the value of a dependable friend: "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". Additionally, Proverbs 22:24-25 warns against befriending those who are quick-tempered: "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared".
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement and support within friendships. Friends are described as providing pleasant and sincere advice (Proverbs 27:9), challenging each other (Proverbs 27:17), and forgiving each other (Colossians 3:13).
- "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).
- "Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6).
- "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
- "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity" (Psalm 133:1).
- "A loyal friend is like a safe shelter; find one, and you have found a treasure" (Sirach 6:14).
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The influence of friends on your faith
Friends have a significant influence on our lives, and this includes our faith. The Bible recognises the importance of choosing friends wisely, and there are several verses that speak to this topic. For instance, Proverbs 12:26 says, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray".
The company we keep can either strengthen or weaken our faith. Positive friendships with those who share our values and beliefs can provide encouragement, support, and accountability in our spiritual walk. Good friends can also offer wise counsel and help us navigate life's challenges in a way that honours God.
On the other hand, surrounding ourselves with the wrong crowd can lead us astray and negatively impact our faith. This is not to say that Christians should only socialise with other Christians, but rather that we should be mindful of the influence our friends have on us. If we find that certain friendships are causing us to act in ways that contradict our faith or compromise our values, it may be necessary to reevaluate those relationships.
The Bible offers guidance on the characteristics we should look for in friends. Proverbs 13:20 instructs us to "walk with the wise and become wise", while Proverbs 22:24-25 warns against befriending those who are quick-tempered, as we may "learn their ways and get yourself ensnared". Additionally, 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions that "bad company corrupts good character".
Ultimately, our choice of friends has a significant impact on our faith journey. By choosing friends who share our values and will uplift and encourage us, we can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with God.
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The character traits of good friends
Friends have a significant influence on our lives, and choosing good friends is crucial for our well-being and success. Here are some essential character traits to look for when cultivating meaningful and lasting friendships:
Trustworthiness
Trust is the foundation of any strong friendship. A good friend is someone who keeps your secrets, refrains from gossiping, and respects your privacy. They are honest, reliable, and loyal. They show up for you, keep their promises, and offer a listening ear when you need it.
Empathy and Support
A supportive friend is there for you through thick and thin. They understand and share your feelings, offering a safe space for you to be vulnerable and express yourself freely. They celebrate your successes and provide comfort during difficult times.
Non-Judgmental and Accepting
A true friend accepts you for who you are and provides a safe space free of criticism and ridicule. They allow you to be yourself and encourage you to work through issues and share your insecurities without fear of judgment.
Good Listening Skills
Excellent listening skills are essential in a good friend. They pay attention to what you have to say, remember important details about your life, and validate your emotions. They make you feel heard, understood, and valued.
Positive Influence
Surround yourself with friends who bring out the best in you. Look for friends who are positive, encouraging, and uplifting. Choose friends who inspire you to become a better person and help you make wise decisions that align with your values and goals.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a vital trait in a good friend. They stand up for you, defend you when necessary, and have your back during challenging times. They stick by your side, remain faithful, and are willing to confront you if you make choices that may be detrimental.
Generosity and Selflessness
A good friend is generous with their time, attention, and support. They offer little acts of kindness, like sharing a dessert or giving an unexpected compliment. They put your needs before their own and are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Humor and Lightheartedness
Laughter is an essential part of any friendship. Friends who share your sense of humor and can make you laugh are invaluable. They bring joy, brighten your mood, and help you navigate life's challenges with a smile.
Dependability and Consistency
Consistency and dependability are key traits in a good friend. They are reliable and follow through on their commitments. While they may not be dependable in every situation, you know you can count on them when it matters most.
Self-Confidence and Congeniality
Friends who exude self-confidence can boost your own confidence. They make you feel comfortable in your own skin and encourage you to shine in social situations. Choose friends who are fun to be around, who enjoy life, and who can help you keep a positive outlook even during difficult times.
Integrity
Friends with integrity act in alignment with their values and principles. They speak up when they see something that goes against their morals, and they are consistent in their words and actions. You can trust that they will do what they say they will do.
Flexibility and Respect
Friendships require give and take, and a good friend respects your pace and needs. They are flexible and willing to adapt to ensure the friendship remains healthy and balanced. They treat you with the same respect and consideration they expect in return.
These character traits are essential in cultivating meaningful and lasting friendships. Remember, friendship is a two-way street, so strive to embody these traits yourself and be the kind of friend you want to have.
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The impact of friends on your life trajectory
Friends have a profound influence on our lives, and choosing our friends wisely is crucial in shaping our life trajectory. The people we surround ourselves with can either lift us up or tear us down, bringing us closer to our goals or leading us astray.
The Bible acknowledges the importance of friendship and provides guidance on choosing friends. For instance, Proverbs 12:26 advises, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." This highlights the potential impact of friends on our spiritual path and our relationship with God.
Friends can influence our values, beliefs, and behaviors, either positively or negatively. Positive friendships can motivate, inspire, and encourage us, while negative friendships can lead to unwise decisions and even legal troubles, as illustrated by the stories of Chuck, Jennifer, and Seth, who faced legal consequences due to the influence of their unprincipled friends.
The book of Proverbs offers valuable advice on choosing friends, emphasizing the importance of seeking out wise and principled companions. Proverbs 13:20 states, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." This suggests that the company we keep can impact our wisdom and success in life.
Additionally, Proverbs 1:10-16 warns against befriending those who engage in sinful lifestyles, encouraging readers to resist the enticements of sinners. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:33 affirms, "Bad company corrupts good character." These passages underscore the idea that our friends can influence our character and moral compass.
When choosing friends, it is essential to consider their influence on our lives. We should seek friends who bring wisdom, dependability, level-headedness, and integrity to the relationship. By choosing friends with these qualities, we can foster positive relationships that uplift and support us in our life journey.
In conclusion, the impact of friends on our life trajectory is significant. By choosing our friends wisely and cultivating positive, principled friendships, we can set ourselves on a path toward success, happiness, and a stronger connection with God.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Bible warns us to choose our friends wisely. Proverbs 12:26 says, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray."
Jesus desires to be our friend and to be the best friend we could ever have. Proverbs 18:24 says, "There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Jesus is the only one who could be closer than a blood-related person, as he lives within us if we are saved.
The short answer is yes, but there is a caveat. If you find that being around this person or having them in your life is causing you to act or behave in an ungodly or unholy manner, then it may be time to let this friend go.
