The Importance of Godly Friendships
How the People We Surround Ourselves with Impact Our Behavior and Future
Who we surround ourselves with will affect our behavior and future.
The saying, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” is very true and even aligns with Scripture.
Proverbs 13:20 says,
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our friends wisely. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us,
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
These scriptures highlight that the character of those we associate with will eventually influence us, for better or worse.
Given this, it is essential to prayerfully consider whether our friendships are guiding us closer to God or pulling us away. If necessary, adjustments should be made to ensure that our social circle aligns with our spiritual values.
Having godly friends who encourage and keep us accountable is crucial. We need friends who will speak the truth in love and remind us of who we are in Christ.
The Importance of Godly Friends for Spiritual Growth
Having godly friends who encourage and keep us accountable is important for several reasons:
Staying on Track: When we have friends who share our faith and values, they can help us stay focused on our goals and priorities. They can remind us of what is important and encourage us to keep going when we feel discouraged.
Providing Support: Life can be challenging, and we all need support from time to time. Having friends who are there for us when we need them can make all the difference. They can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or practical help when we need it.
Challenging Us to Grow: Sometimes we need a little push to grow and develop. Godly friends can challenge us to step out of our comfort zones, try new things and take risks. They can help us see our blind spots and encourage us to become the best version of ourselves.
Holding Us Accountable: Accountability is an essential part of any healthy relationship. When we have friends who hold us accountable, we are more likely to stay true to our commitments and follow through on our promises. They can help us identify areas where we need to improve and offer constructive feedback to help us grow.
Sharpening Our Character: As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When we have godly friends who challenge us, hold us accountable and encourage us to grow, we become better versions of ourselves. We learn from each other's experiences, share wisdom and insights, and become more effective in our service to God and others.
Jesus’ Example of Friendship
Jesus provided a model for how we should structure our social life. He had three close friends, and out of these, one intimate friend. This shows that quality friendships outweigh quantity. Jesus had many fans, but few devoted followers.
It’s also important to point out that Jesus did interact with ungodly people. He never compromised His character to fit in. He was able to positively influence all people because He remained the same in every environment. However, it is essential to remember that His few close friends did have true character.
Psalm 1:1-3 illustrates the type of friends that will sharpen us and strengthen our relationship with God.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
The company we keep has a profound impact on our spiritual growth and future. By surrounding ourselves with godly friends who encourage, challenge and hold us accountable, we position ourselves to grow stronger in our faith and character, ultimately fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.