God created us to be relational creatures. Friendships are an important aspect of a fulfilling life, and we learn about love, forgiveness, and grace when we become close to others. When we choose our friends with wisdom and discernment, we are adding joyful and healthy relationships to our lives.
The Scriptures are full of great friendships. Paul often wrote to his friends who encouraged him, prayed for him, and took care of him. These friends were integral to Paul’s journey and mission. The Bible encourages friends to rebuke one another in love, pray for each other and keep each other accountable. Friendships are an important part of a Christian’s journey.
However, our journeys with others are not always comfortable or easy. Friendships can leave us disappointed, hurt, and cause us grief. Our friendships are sometimes intimate enough to sway our beliefs and actions. There are also examples of friends leading each other to worship false idols in the Old Testament.
Deuteronomy 13:6–9 “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which neither you nor your fathers have known, some of the gods of the peoples who are around you, whether near you or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other, you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him.”
Proverbs holds many warnings about friendships, including being aware of gossip breaking down relationships. Proverbs 16:28 “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends and grudges weighing them down” One of the most well-known toxic friendship betrayals occurred when Judas betrayed Christ, assuredly causing Christ grief and emotional pain.
Paul warned the church of choosing friends wisely. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
The Scriptures are clear on the blessing of friendships, but they are also clear on the discernment required to choose good friends.
Proverbs 1:10 “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”
Proverbs 1:15 “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”
Proverbs 4:14-15 “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.”
We should choose friends who do not entice us to sin or worship anything aside from God. We should choose friends who follow the path of righteousness and are quick to run to God. Like all relationships, we must be wise in whom we choose to spend our time with and who will help us become closer to God.
