Making friends is common to humanity, as God created to us to have relationships with others.  However, because man is inherently sinful and lives in a system with values set against God, believers should be wise regarding who they associate with, as “bad associations corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33).

       As Christians, we should love all men and seek to meet their needs, both spiritually and physically, if they’re willing to have them met.  However, close relationships should be developed over time, only as we get to know others, hearing their words and watching their ways, and feeling confident they are among the faithful righteous (Ps. 26:1-5; 101:1-8; Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; 2 Thess. 3:14-15). A righteous person will:

1. Submit to God’s will (Jas. 4:7; cf. Rom. 12:1-2).
2. Seek to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31).
3. Display a godly love (1 Cor. 13:4-8; 1 John 3:23).
4. Speak biblical truth (Eph. 4:15, 25).
5. Show humility (Eph. 4:1-2).
6. Be forgiving (Matt. 18:21-22).
7. Encourage others to do good works (Heb. 10:24).
8. Want to fellowship with Christians (Heb. 10:25).
9. Pray for others (2 Thess. 1:11).
10. Build others up in the Lord (1 Thess. 5:11).
11. Be devoted to fellow believers (Rom. 12:10).
12. Live by faith (Rom. 1:17).

       You will be blessed by choosing Christian friends who love the Lord and seek His will above all else.

Steven R. Cook, M.Div.

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