Proverbs 17:17

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

You probably have various circles of friends that include your business world — your coworkers, partners or clients — and acquaintances you associate with on a surface level. We would have to leave the world altogether in order to avoid these kinds of contacts.

God cares most about your intimate circle, your bosom pals. These are the people you love most and who have an influence in your life. You agree on most things and you feel safe opening your heart to each other.

It is important to know that as a follower of Jesus, you will be tempted by Satan to form ungodly friendships. He will try to bring into your life someone who can destroy everything godly in you! You may think, “Wait a minute! I don’t want to start doubting my friends.” If you are true friends, knit together by the Spirit of Christ, you have nothing to fear in examining your relationships with them. But it would be wise for you to look at your friendships in the light of scripture.

A true, godly friend will always take the side of God’s Word in any matter, and not just your side because you are friends. Such a friend will love you enough to tell you the truth, even though it may hurt at times.

Beloved, your friends are a serious matter to God — because their actions have serious consequences. The Bible is very clear: “Make no friendship with an angry man … lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25). “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Take a stand today. If you have ungodly friends in your inner circle, break them off. And always be alert to Satan’s attempts to put someone in your life who would destroy Christ’s work in you.

Pray this prayer today, “Lord, open my eyes to all my friendships. Help me to see them clearly, whether good or bad, and may all my relationships bring glory to you!”