In Friendship Snippet #4, three levels of friendship were listed--those for a season, a reason, and a lifetime. Now let's address Christian friendship. In the Bible, so much is made of the importance of the right kind of friends that we're fools to treat this part of our lives lightly--and I have certainly been a fool many times over. Proverbs 12:26 says: "A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Meaning, an important quality to look for in a friend is how much they love and fear God. Why? Because we are more consistent in our faith when others who walk closely with God walk with and encourage us. Here are some benefits of a Christian friend:
Accountability ~ Close relationships with other believers allow for accountability on both sides. We need people who will help us see the truth about ourselves and our lives. We need the kind of relationships that don't break down when truth is spoken in love. Key here: in love.
Advice ~ We need those who will give us sound, Biblical advice and help us grow in wisdom.
Refine ~ We need those who will refine us, which brings us to Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man--woman!--sharpens another."
Prayer ~ We need those who will pray for us in times of need.
So what about our non-Christian friends? That's for the next time. See you then.
I think sometimes we rush into friendships. Trying to be better about that.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Been there, do that :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I have a friend that these fit perfectly. She is definitely a God-send.
ReplyDeleteA gem of a friend. Hold on to her :)
DeleteAmen sister, Amen! In Hebrews 10: 24&25 God's Word says we are "provoke" or "spur on" one another to love and good works and we are to meet with each other to encourage each other - and all the more so as we see "the day" (the return of our Lord) approaching. I see this as God's format and formula for friendship. I think you have beautifully dissected this by your outline of accountability, advise, refine and prayer. We NEED each other - we need to bring our spiritual gifts together to help each other, encourage each other and to love each other so that ever brother and sister remembers that they are ACCEPTED in the beloved. We get enough hate from this world and the enemy that walks about trying to devour us - we NEED Christian friends! Your friendship blog is excellent and needed as a reminder of God's love and the faithful friend that we have in Jesus! Love you Tam! Barefoot Believer - Pam.
ReplyDeleteThank you, as always, for stopping by and adding your beautiful wisdom, dear Pam! Praying you are doing well.
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