Modern Friendship

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.  – Proverbs 27:17

Digital connections consume more space in your life than ever! Covid taught everyone how to share life through a screen. Some are even saying the core elements of human relationships are forever altered. Even the definition of “friendship” has been changed to include someone merely clicking “accept’ on a virtual invitation. The world is constantly changing, but you can rest assured God’s principles are eternal. How HE defines friendship still applies regardless of modern technology. 

In both real and virtual relationships, as a follower of Christ, you are told not to associate with those given to rage and anger, “lest you learn those ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Proverbs 22:24-25). No matter where you encounter them, you are warned to avoid those with “feet quick to do evil,” and “a false witness breathing out lies” (Proverbs 6:17-18). 

Likewise, God tells you what genuine friendship looks like, “one who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor” (Proverbs 12:26). A true friend will give you “earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:9) and challenge you to do right when it is hard (Proverbs 27:5-6). A godly friend will love you when it is inconvenient (Proverbs 17:17). As today’s verse indicates, as you experience life together, you will nurture and deepen each other’s faith. 

Pray for decision-makers in America to surround themselves with wise, godly people, who encourage them in decisions that please God and serve the nation. Ask that leaders and teachers in American churches will train the next generation in defining  “friendship” first as a relationship with Christ, teaching solid Biblical principles.