True Friends by Anonymous
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (NIV)
God has blessed me with Christian friends! It seems that since I was a child, He has brought people into my life to help my faith grow. In third grade my best friend invited me to Vacation Bible School and I went with her because I wanted to be with her more than I wanted to learn about Jesus. To my surprise, I just found the cross I made with Popsicle sticks so many years ago. What I learned that week about Jesus has only grown, and I am so glad for my friend’s invitation.
Growing in faith is the goal for every believer. We know prayer and Bible study are essential in achieving this objective, but having right relationships is also a critical element in our journey.
We need relationships that inspire and challenge us to become the people God wants us to be. We’d like to think that all our Christian acquaintances help us achieve this goal, but many believers interact with each other only on a surface level.
We need friends who give wise counsel based on God’s Word. Even when the advice isn’t comfortable, it’s always beneficial. They’re not afraid to speak the truth in love. And if we encounter times of suffering, they are by our side, encouraging us as we walk through trials.
Can you name someone who helped you become more like Jesus? If you don’t have anyone like this in your life, ask the Lord to provide someone. We were not made to walk alone.
Lord God, thank You for the friends You give us to help us grow in faith. Amen.