Devotional for Friendship

We can be easily led astray by individuals if we are not careful. Or we can be the ones leading others astray.

This is especially true with friendships.

Our friends are important to us. They are our sounding boards, supporters, encouragers, comforters, and cheerleaders.

We can rely too heavily on our friends, and at times, we can let them pull us down. Or we can be the ones pulling them down.

God created us as relational people. We have an innate desire to connect and be with others.

But as with all things, we can stray away from God's design. We can become selfish in our relationships and misuse our friends. When we become aware of our missteps, we must right our wrongs.

In our world of technology, the understanding of relationships has become skewed. We can have many acquaintances we interact with, but that doesn't count as a friend.

We’ve all had (or been) the wrong kind of friend at some point. We’ve gossiped, flattered, or let someone pull us away from God or our marriage. That doesn’t make you a terrible person; it makes you human. The good news? Jesus calls us friends even when we’re unworthy (John 15:15). His perfect friendship heals our broken ones and teaches us how to love our friends—and our spouse—the way He loves us.

Friends are people you bring into your life and share your thoughts, emotions, dreams, and pain with. They hold an intimate part of your heart. They can't be all things for you or you for them. But they are there for you when you need them most.

So be intentional about who you allow to hold such a special role in your life.

In marriage, friendship is the foundation that outlasts romance and passion. Choosing friends who honor your marriage looks like:

• Not venting about your spouse to the ‘work bestie’ or mom-group chat
• Refusing to be the friend who trash-talks their own husband/wife
• Protecting date nights and emotional energy for your first and best friend—your spouse
• Praying together, ‘Lord, surround us with friends who push us toward You and toward each other, not away’
• Letting your spouse be the first person you celebrate with and cry with—before anyone else gets that place

Take the time to read the Bible scriptures below and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your Bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.

John 15:13

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Proverbs 13:20

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 28:23

Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.

Proverbs 14:7

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Proverbs 18:24

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 22:24

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,

Proverbs 27:17

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Here's a short prayer if you're struggling to find the words:

Father, thank You for the gift of friendship—and for being the Friend who never leaves. Forgive me for the times I’ve chosen friends who pull me away from You or my marriage. Surround us with people who make us sharper, holier, and more in love with You and each other. Heal the friendships I’ve wounded, and give us wisdom to love our friends well without letting them take Your place or my spouse’s place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Try one of these today:

• Text your spouse one thing you love about being their friend (not just their spouse).
• Ask yourself (or your spouse) about one current friendship: ‘Does this person make me more like Jesus and a better spouse, or less?’
• Pray together for your top 3 closest friends by name—thank God for them and ask Him to draw them all closer to Him.

I pray these verses encourage you to surround yourself with positive friends and cultivate positive friendships.

God bless!

Melissa