“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” Hebrews 10:24.

True friends are the people who challenge us to do more for the Lord; they inspire us to live up to our best potential, not to indulge our basest drives; and most important ones who would never ask us to compromise our principles for any reason. In other words, our true friends are those who love us as we are but never cease to challenge us to be better for the Lord. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” Hebrews 10:24.

The apostle Paul gave relationships a high priority; scripture validates that he constantly prayed for and admonished the brethren to walk in unity, being likeminded in Christ; “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2.

While Paul was pouring himself into the lives of others, he was also being built up and strengthened by his fellow believers. That, in brief, is the Lord’s plan for every one of His beloved children. “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17.

Let us think about our own friendships-do we gravitate to relationships that motivate us to pursue God more fervently? It really does matter who we allow to influence us; our Heavenly Father divinely places individuals in our lives who will faithfully invest time in us; the ones who we can call anytime of the night or day, and they will come to our rescue—they encourage, and faithfully pray for us, spurring us on in our spiritual growth; ones who will sit with us in our grief, celebrates with us in our triumphs, and take care of us when we need it the most! “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17.

But, my friends, even if you fail to find one true friend…who sticks close… know that we have a friend in Jesus who will never leave or forsake us; He demonstrated by His shed blood on the cross that He is our greatest friend of all, and that is love! “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15.

Blessings and peace to all!