Sometimes we need to see past our hurt to discover that the relationship is worth pursuing. To develop a genuine friendship, we must be willing to let our guard down, even if it means possible offenses or rejection. We consider what’s best for them and how we can build up and encourage them in their walk with Christ. The goal is not to focus on self but on our friends.

This isn’t the most important aspect of a friendship, but it’s the one with which we generally begin a relationship. They’re committed to growing in their relationship with Christ and in helping each other mature. Having developed an intimate relationship, they freely discuss God’s character and seek to understand how He operates in their lives through the trials and sorrows. When two believers become devoted friends, their mutual interests are things of the Lord. Other than the Lord Jesus, there’s no one more reassuring in life than a godly friend who walks with us through every circumstance. A loyal companion gives us a sense of security when we face criticism or the storms of life because we know we’re not alone. The joy we receive from their company gives us energy and excitement for life. Genuine friends inspire us to be productive. Instead of being shocked at our weakness or sin, an intimate friend walks with us through the challenges of life. When friendship reaches its deepest level, we can speak freely from the heart about our struggles, without fear of condemnation. Although bad company corrupts good morals, good company strengthens our character and devotion to Jesus Christ. There’s also the encouragement of being loved. They provide feelings of acceptance and belonging. Unwise companionships may lead us to make decisions that will destroy our lives and futures.ĭespite the risks, close relationships are very rewarding. We may have to let go of a friend in order to stay true to the Lord. No relationship is so valuable that we can’t do without it. If a friend drifts from God and no longer desires to please Him, he may pressure us to follow him down the wrong path. There may be times when we see a faithful friend violate God’s Word, head in the wrong direction, or even walk away from the Lord. Sometimes even the best of friends can let us down or walk away, but that is never a good reason to refuse to trust anyone again. Close companions motivate and energize us to do our best. Friendships teach us how to get along with others, shape our personality, and teach us to relate on a deeper level. Intimate relationships are often a great source of enjoyment.

Relationships have the power to affect us in both positive and negative ways. If we build a relationship with someone with a corrupted nature, we’ll be affected in negative ways. Bad company is anyone who draws us away from the Lord. Scripture warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (1 Cor. We must also be wise in how we form friendships.

We need wise governing principles and standards to gauge the heart of potential friends.

Because of the influence friends have in our lives, we must be careful whom we choose for friends.

The quality of the building materials we use determines how lasting and satisfying these relationships will be. When we’re indiscriminate in our choice of friends, we’re headed for ruin because some of them will drag us down.ĭevoted, intimate friendships don’t just happen they require an investment of time and energy. Proverbs 18:24 warns, “A person of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” In other words, it’s better to have one loyal friend who encourages, helps, and lifts us up than to have many casual friends who come and go. SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:33įriends are some of the greatest assets we have in life.

Dr. charles stanley sermons 2022