Do your friends bring out the best in you? Another question might be, do you even need friends? The Bible has a lot to say about how can Christian fellowship improve your life and your relationship with God. Some might think that reading the Bible, along with prayer, might be enough to reach a fully mature relationship with God. But can you do it alone? Scripture tells us that surrounding yourself with wise people who also seek God can bring your walk with God to new levels.
Proverbs 27:17 -- "Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Another way to say this is that one person can make another stronger and wiser. That’s so true. Just think of the times someone has helped you gain a new insight or acquire a new skill. Maybe it was a parent? Or perhaps a teacher or pastor? But learning and growing as a person is much easier with the right mentors and friends helping you along the way. The love, security and support of Christian fellowship is especially precious during times of difficulty. Here’s what the book of Ecclesiastes (4:9-10) has to say …
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up."
Imagine how much harder life would be if you did not have true friends to help pick you up when you fall. In fact, the book of Galatians (6:2) tells us that fellowship helps us do God’s work. It states that we are to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing each other’s burdens. Through fellowship we can connect ourselves to fellow human beings and Christians and find out where our efforts are needed.
Fellowship With Sincere Christians – The Difference Between Growing Wiser Or Suffering Harm
There are many secular sayings about the value of good friends and warnings of bad friends such as … Fake friends are like shadows: they follow you in the sun but leave you in the dark. But nothing beats the Biblical wisdom on the benefits of good friendships and the peril of bad ones. One example is Proverbs (13:20). It says that if you spend time with wise people, you will become wise … but if you surround yourself with fools, you will suffer harm.
So, Spend Time With Fellow Christians And Take It To The Next Level
Just like iron sharpens iron, your friends in Christ will help sharpen you. Your time together will be a source of strength that will help you mature in your faith. Plus, by being part of the Christian community, you’ll discover where and how you can help do God’s work. So, don’t go it alone. Surround yourself in fellowship and GO FURTHER!
