Having godly friendships is really important. The Bible says that two is better than one because they help each other succeed (Ecclesiastes 4:9). When we have godly friendships, we can share our burdens with each other and obey the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). A true friend is loyal and is always there to help in times of need (Proverbs 17:17), and a good friend will give good advice because they want you to prosper, not to fail (Proverbs 12:26). Some examples of godly friendships that the Bible gives us are David and Jonathan, Jesus and His disciples, and Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. All these friendships showed loyalty, love, selflessness, courage, and commitment to the Lord.

Last year, before school started, I was praying that God would lead me to the right friends who I could have godly friendships with. I described to Him the characteristics I look for in a friend and I asked that He give me wisdom to become friends with the right people. Soon after school started, I felt led to talk to a specific person. Now, we are great friends and I know that this was a gift from God. I cannot help but feel so grateful that God answered my prayer. Friends are meant to uplift one another, sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron, and in short, are supposed to be a very good thing. Not only should we be looking for those godly friends, but we need to be that godly friend as well. Be the friend that you want others to be for you by being like Christ.

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us what a godly friendship should look like. Please lead me to friends who I can grow closer to you with, and help me to be a godly friend to others. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1.    Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

Today’s Encounter was written by: Gianna B.