Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
“I need you.” God did not create us to live life in isolation. He knew we needed each other for companionship, for encouragement, and for accountability.
Peter writes that Satan goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). In the wild, it is the animal separated from the herd that is in danger of being attacked. Predators seldom attack an animal protected by others.
Likewise, a person who does not have spiritual friendships is more at risk of walking the wrong path in life.
Some friends draw us closer to Jesus. They help us become what we know He wants us to be.
If our friends have nothing more to talk about than sports, movies, or other worldly pursuits, then they can’t encourage our spiritual walk. Some friends are constantly daring us to see how close we can walk to sin without getting caught or telling us it really doesn’t matter… pulling us away from the path we are trying to walk.
Scriptures give examples of several friendships.
David and Jonathan – a shepherd and a prince, whose souls were “knit together.” Jonathan did not appear to be jealous that David would be the next king instead of him. When David was hiding from Saul, Jonathan found him, “And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you’” (1 Sam. 23:17 ESV).
Nathan and David – a prophet willing to confront sin and a king willing to accept correction. When Nathan said, “You are the man!” (2 Sam. 12:7), David’s response was, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13). Nathan continued to be a support and friend throughout David’s life, and we see that closeness when David and Bathsheba name a son “Nathan.”
Paul and Timothy – a missionary who began mentoring a younger man, calling him “my son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2 MSG).
Barnabas and Mark – relatives with the older willing to give the younger a second chance in mission work (Acts 15). We all need a second chance at times.
Naomi and Ruth – mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bound together through heartbreak (the book of Ruth). Supporting each other through difficult times creates a bond never forgotten.
Elijah and Elisha – older prophet who trained a younger prophet (2 Kings 2) who would follow in his footsteps.
Then, we also read of friendships that did not bring out the spiritual side.
Rehoboam and his young friends – he was advised to be harsher than his father Solomon, which caused the kingdom to be split (1 Kings 12).
Ahab and Jezebel – husband and wife who seem to have encouraged each other in evil (1 Kings 18-21).
Life has ups and downs, twists, and turns that we often have not planned for and do not expect. When that happens, our focus can become distorted, and we might feel our faith is under attack. A godly friend can help us refocus and work through whatever has happened.
First Corinthians 15:33 tells us, “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” It’s important to choose our companions wisely.
Paul also writes in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.”
We sometimes walk a fine line between wanting to help (mentor) someone who is struggling and allowing their struggles to affect us. The reality is it is easier to pull someone down than lift them up.
When we have friends who encourage us to think on the good (Phil. 4:8) and to develop the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23), we have someone who will help us walk in the footsteps of Jesus and receive the crown of life.
What spiritual relationships are you nurturing in your life?
