A Daily Purpose

Bible Study & Devotional 191

Written by: Torrie Slaughter

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’

🔴I Am A Friend

According to Google, a friendship is a relationship of mutual affection between people. It is a more vital form of interpersonal bond than an association and studied in academic fields such as communication, social psychology, anthropology, and philosophy.

We learn how to be a friend by becoming one.

Following the example Christ left for us, we can study God’s Word and apply it to our lives. While we will not be perfect, we can develop a heart for God. Jesus tells us in John 15:14, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” The command is to love Him, ourselves, and our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus no longer calls us servants because He has taught us everything through the divine Word. (John 15:15) He is our connection to God the Father.

Friendship Training

Prayer is a powerful tool, but like any passion we have to practice, exercising our spiritual muscles. We have the power and discernment to learn and follow God’s word. By spending time with God and getting to know Him, we can imitate His divine command to love. Turn to God and become healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Enjoy the freedom of knowing God is an essential part of our day. He is our priority. 

Hear His Voice

Learning to listen and give credit to God for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding develops our character. We show ourselves as righteous and lovely when we do things according to God’s ways. Love must be sincere. In that sincerity, we honor God and cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

Prayer: Father in Heaven, we thank you for being an ever-present help in our lives. We worship and give praise to your Holy Name. As we learn to walk closer in your command, teach us to do small things with great love. Help us acknowledge fear, arrogance, and pride when we are in conversation to recognize what relationships those temporary emotions destroy. Let our behavior glorify you and show us as living expressions of Your Son Jesus. Amen.