Friendships
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)
During teenage life and young adulthood, the people we tend to spend the most time with other than our immediate family tends to be friends. Whether that be in a work environment or in a scholastic space of some sort, it’s important to know that these people will have an impact on you and your life. Friends will affect your mood, your emotions, your values and beliefs - but how do you tackle such a subject?
The Bible has an extensive plethora of great friendships. From the likes of David and Jonathan, Naomi and Ruth all the way to brothers such as Aaron and Moses - friendship is seen as an important link in each of their lives. They serve as both confident and counselor in many situations; the book of Proverbs is clear on this “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” (Proverbs 27:9)
In many cases, friends are a great support and help in growth “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) However, situations may appear when a friendship becomes toxic. That can be seen through someone who insults you, gives you negative counsel, is jealous or, even more importantly, doesn’t bring you closer to Yahweh. Ahithophel can be seen as a bad friend who gave bad advice, showed anger and disloyalty to King David in order to plot his demise (2 Samuel 15:12-17:23). Judas is one of the greatest examples of a bad friend as he looked after his own interests, disregarded the feelings and beliefs of a friend in order to gain personal wealth and/or fame (Matthew 26:15-17, 25; Luke 22:47-48).
Bad friends exist, but know that Yahweh puts things, moments and people in your path to teach you something that you need to know (Isaiah 28:26). Maybe you need to learn to depend on Him. Possibly, that friend is supposed to show you the way that you are acting towards someone else. Acknowledging these relationships and their impact on your life is a great first step from removing yourself from that bad situation. Afterwards, prayer is always important, in order to change yourself and help your friend. Finally, listen to what Yahweh will say; He will not abandon you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8)
You will meet a lot of people who you may consider good friends and others that you may consider as great friends: have the discernment to know which is which. Pray continuously so that your friendships will do nothing but make your relationship with the Messiah grow exponentially everyday.