Godly friendships!

What does this mean?

The words “friend” or “friendship” are used 178 times in the Bible. If it’s mentioned that much, then it must be important! Choosing Godly friends is essential to the way we live our lives.

You may have heard the phrase: “Tell me who you walk with, and I’ll tell you who you are.”

This is so true!! Choose your friends wisely.

We will be focusing on Proverbs 12:26 today! “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

We are represented by the righteous people. Remember though that we weren’t born righteous!! The “righteous” people in this verse or lay-people. Ordinary people trying to live a life that honors God. God took our sin and placed it on Jesus, and He took His righteousness and gave it to us. The righteousness that we possess as believers does not come from us!

The ESV translation of this verse says that the one who is righteous should guide his neighbor. NIV says the righteous should choose their friends. You are guiding yourself and others towards righteousness! In this context of these translations, your neighbor and friends are the same.

If you haven’t noticed already in your life, you have the ability to influence those around you, and you are also influenced by others. Knowing this is true, we are encouraged to steer clear of the “wicked” people. The wicked person is somebody who is guilty before God. They will try to lead to astray from God.

Okay so what is Godly friendship? I’m so glad you asked!

1. Friendship bounded by ministry together.

2. Friendship that can be forged through trauma.

3. Friendship motivated by the Holy Spirit.

4. Friendship kept through integrity.

Some things to look out for:

• beware of people as close friends who don’t tell you the truth.

• beware of people as close friends who encourage you to sin.

• beware of people as close friends who lead you away from the things of God.

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Godly friendships are so important for your walk of life. Whether you realize it or not, the people around you play a huge role in influencing your life. I don’t know about you, but I definitely want a positive influence on my life. God will lead these Godly friendships to you, so it’s important that you know what to look for! (I hope this post helps with that :))

I know I’ve taken a pretty long break from Sermon Thought Bubbles, but I’m so back! I hope you enjoy this post, and I will for sure see you next Monday!