MEMORISE: Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Proverbs 22:24
BIBLE READING: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
MESSAGE:
It is God’s desire that we have godly friendships that uplift, support, and challenge us to grow in faith. We were created as relational beings, hence the need for friendships. Some relationships will help a fellow grow spiritually, while others may be toxic and pull such a fellow away from God. This is why we must be careful about being friends with people who exhibit negative behaviour, as their influence can corrupt our hearts. Toxic relationships can drain a person’s joy. It can also disrupt the fellow’s peace and lead him or her to cultivate ungodly habits.
Beloved, you must be intentional about the company you keep. Even Jesus was intentional about the company He kept. He loved everyone, but He had certain people whom we can call His close associates. In Matthew 17:1, the Bible tells us that He took Peter, James, and John with Him to a high mountain, where He was transfigured before them. If you have friends who constantly get angry or engage in sinful habits, it is time to distance yourself from them and make friends with people who will encourage you to live a holy life.
My dear child, if you notice that your friendship with someone is harming your faith, don’t be afraid to let go of the friendship. Pray for wisdom to choose the right friends and trust that God will bring the right people into your life.
REFLECTION:
Do you have any friends who influence you to engage in sinful habits?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Mark 12:1-27, Deuteronomy 5-7