WHAT FRIEND DO YOU HAVE?

Lorens

Lorens

New member
Bible Reference: Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Introduction

Friendship is a powerful influence in our lives. The people we surround ourselves with shape our thoughts, attitudes, and even our faith. Today, I want us to reflect on this question: What friends do you have? Are they drawing you closer to God, or are they pulling you away?

1. Friends Influence Your Character

1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” The friends you keep will either help you grow in righteousness or lead you into temptation. If you spend time with people who love God and seek His ways, you will be encouraged in your walk of faith.

2. True Friends Speak the Truth in Love

A true friend does not just tell you what you want to hear but what you need to hear. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” A godly friend corrects you when necessary, prays for you, and desires the best for you.

3. Choose Friends Who Strengthen Your Faith

David and Jonathan shared a friendship rooted in faith. 1 Samuel 18:1 tells us that Jonathan loved David as himself. He supported him, encouraged him, and helped him fulfill God's purpose. Do you have friends who challenge you spiritually, pray with you, and encourage you to pursue God’s will?

4. Jesus – The Greatest Friend

No matter who we have in our lives, there is no greater friend than Jesus. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus showed the ultimate love by sacrificing Himself for us. He calls us His friends when we obey Him (John 15:14).

Conclusion

Take a moment and reflect on your friendships. Are they pushing you toward God or away from Him? Be intentional in choosing godly friends, and most importantly, build a strong friendship with Jesus.

Let us pray:
"Lord, help us to choose our friends wisely. Lead us to people who will strengthen our faith and encourage us to follow You. Thank You for being our greatest Friend. Amen."
 
Proverbs says, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). I learned this through life's struggles when friendships faltered, and close bonds strained under suffering. Most relationships revolve around exchange; people are drawn to success, but often scatter during failure. This isn’t cynicism; it’s a lesson in where to place our trust.

Jesus called His disciples friends because He shared His purpose with them and proved this friendship by sacrificing His life (John 15:13). Life brings trials, and I've learned that Jesus embraces us during our worst times. He doesn’t tire of our failures or require us to be perfect before coming to Him. He is present even when we struggle to pray or feel overwhelmed, as Hebrews 4:15 reminds us; He understands our pain.

I’ve shared my deepest struggles with Jesus (doubts, anger, desperation) and found relief in His acceptance. Unlike others, He never says, "I have my own problems." He promised, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20), meaning He is there during our darkest moments.

The world teaches performance for love, even in the church, but Jesus offers unconditional friendship. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and supports us through suffering, transforming it into something meaningful. I am scarred yet unbroken because of His unwavering support.

Surrender to Him your hidden struggles, grief, and doubts. He can handle it. Hymn 499's “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer” is essential for survival. Trust that He will be there every day, proving His faithful friendship. You are not alone; a true friend stands by you. Let this truth resonate in your heart.
 
The message reminded me to remember my friend Carl and send him happy 2026.
He was the first friend to experience genuine faith, without being religious.
How easy it is to fall in love with God. I pray he continues to be guided by the Spirit and
develop into man God can fall in love with.


One of our messages shared online. God bless my friend Carl.

2026 promises to be a year for final preparations for the time of the end.
A global planned recession is just upon all countries, with a global reset in mind,
this means most of us will lose our money assets.

The get out of the cities message is one we SDA people need to be listening to, so we can help others stuck in the cities.

Re 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Here is a Bible verse for this preparation before we enter the final time of the end. Having a Bible friend will help immensely for the Scripture says a bundle of three sticks is not easily broken.

Shalom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top