Developing Meaningful Relationships
Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
Developing wholesome, biblical relationships is one of the most important things in life. A good friend is invaluable, a bad friend can be devastating! Every relationship should begin with an understanding of what God says about relationships, and then we should maintain biblical standards for those we choose to spend time with.
I want to talk about how to develop good, wholesome friendships in today's devotion. Notice three things:
First, in order to develop any friendship, one must show a friendly attitude to others. Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
Our friendships must be carefully chosen by building relationships with individuals that share our values and interests. Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Every relationship we develop needs to have a common thread, and both people desire to walk in agreement with God. Otherwise, it isn't going to be good and wholesome.
Finally, make sure you are willing to share what you have with others. Proverbs 14:20, "The poor is hated even of his own neighbor; but the rich hath many friends." Proverbs 19:4 & 6, "Wealth maketh many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor." "Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts."
May we always live by the principle found in Psalm 1:1, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
I hope these words will help you to invest in valuable, meaningful, biblical relationships, beginning with the most important relationship and that is your relationship with the Lord.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. With whom do you spend most of your time?
2. How does this person influence you?
3. Do you find that you gravitate towards those who have a wholesome influence or those who are a poor influence?
4. How do those you choose to be friends reflect upon the condition of your heart?