Scenerio
Jim and Miranda are newlyweds, they are trying to find their place in life, at work, and in the church. They used to have friends who they could go out with whenever they wanted, and it seemed they all were carefree. Then they got married and in all of their bliss they found they didn't have the same things in common with their old friends. Even their work friends groups seemed different now.
Moving On
They soon decided they needed to find some new friends that had similar goals and plans for life being married. Jim met some new friends from work that seem to have the same hobbies, goals, etc. Then as Jim and Miranda started hanging out with these new friends they quickly realized they really were pretty negative and talked about everyone. They felt bad but didn't know what to do as this couple wanted to be with them all of the time.
Church
The newlyweds started establishing their new routines and decided to find a good church they wanted to attend. The Pastor and his wife were so kind and all of the people they met were as well. After several months they were convicted by the things they were listening to with the friends from work. A new couple approached them and asked them to dinner.
New Friends
Jake and Sara were amazing!! They were talking about God, ideas, plans, they had similar hobbies, and when they left they felt good. Jim and Miranda decided this new couple was who God wanted them to hang around. Soon they met other couples who were also wonderful!! They felt loved, and accepted, and felt this new life was exactly what they needed.
Lesson
In the story above we see how easily it is when you are lonely, or even trying to find your place to just start hanging out with anyone. This couple that was from work could really be in any number or places. They could have easily been in their church, family, or even just in their community. We see that who your friends are matter. God wants us to love everyone, minister to everyone, and treat everyone with respect. But it doesn't mean we have to be friends with just anyone that crosses our path.
Feeling Bad
If you leave feeling bad, or convicted, be careful. Your friends matter to your relationship, God, and even your life. This doesn't mean we just fellowship with people who are perfect, because that isn't realistic. Jesus ate with sinners, but they weren't His friends. It wasn't until they followed Him and became His disciples that they became His friends. We love everyone, but who you are around is who you will become like.
Closer Than A Brother
A friend sticks closer than a brother! So who are our friends? They are those who love Jesus, are working on themselves, and who desire Him. They aren't perfect, but they are working on it just like us! We are to be kind to everyone, but those closest to us are the ones who are wanting to be Christlike. We won't be perfect until He who is perfect comes back for us. So if you find yourself thinking I don't feel good about this friendship, let me say friend, it's ok to move on and surround yourself with couples who are seeking Jesus in all areas of their lives. It may be that you feel lonely at times, but that's ok, just pray and the Lord will send you a couple you can be close to, like a brother!!
Scripture
Monday: Proverbs 20:6 says, "Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
But who can find a trustworthy man?" Be careful who your friends are!
Tuesday: Proverbs 16:28 says, "A perverse man spreads strife,
And a slanderer separates intimate friends." Sometimes you have to move on from friends who are a bad influence or leave you feeling bad.
Wednesday: Proverbs 18:24 says, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:" When finding good godly friends remember to show yourself friendly!
Thursday: Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity." This is a true friend, someone who you can trust and isn't just your friend for themselves, but loves at all times.
Friday: Proverbs 27:9 says, "Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend." You are looking for friends who have the same morals, ideas, and beliefs. You also are looking for a friend you can trust to give sweet counsel.
Saturday: Proverbs 22:24-25 says, "Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul." You become like who you are around! Make good godly friends!
Sunday: Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another." We are always working on us, and when you find good friends in your marriage you will know by how you all want to grow in Jesus!
Contact
Please feel free to contact us by way of email on our blog posts or our new website! Also, please feel free to share and post our blog posts! Happilyevermarried.org or blancinglifewiththebrowns@gmail.com Thank you and you too can have a happily ever married marriage!