VINTAGE FRIENDSHIP!

Proverbs 18:24 AMPC

24] The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 

Friends are those we want to spend time with. God created us for relationships—with each other and with Him. Our friendship with God should be the model for all our other friendships.

What kind of friends do you have? What kind of friend are you?

Friendship, like every other relationship, is a two-way cord that shouldn't be easily broken if it's based on genuine affection, trust, and common goals, according to Amos 3:3.

Friends look out for each other, counsel, support, encourage, defend one another, and positively influence each other, as stated in Proverbs 27:17.

Do you trust your friends, and do they trust you? Luke 6:31 is the “golden rule” of relationships.

Vintage friendship refers to a relationship that has matured over time, tested by seasons, strengthened by shared experiences, and rooted in godly principles. It’s not just old—it’s refined, resilient, and rich in value, much like vintage wine that improves with age.

Friendship needs to be nurtured to grow and flourish. If the giving is one-sided, the friendship will unfortunately not last. People come together for several reasons, and sometimes the breakdown occurs when they realize that the friendship is either superfluous, superficial, or toxic, see 2 Corinthians 6:14.

Are you satisfied with your friends? Are your friends able to support and offer wise and insightful counsel? Or do your friends deliberately mislead you, as seen in Proverbs 25:19?

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 contain many helpful words of advice about choosing friends and benefiting from those who walk the same path. If you’ve been thinking you need wise friends who can guide you along the right path, you’re correct. See Proverbs 11:13 for more on this. You don't need a blabbermouth for a friend—one who can't keep their mouth shut.

When seeking friends, most people look for those who make them feel good about themselves. But that’s not the most important ingredient in friendship. People who make us feel good about ourselves may not be the best influence on us, and they may not have our best interests at heart.

Some friends determine the direction our lives take. If our friends are wise or foolish, we will be too, according to Proverbs 13:20, because we can only teach or learn what each knows.

We need to choose our friends very carefully. We should seek out friends who can advise us, set an example for us, and help us stay on the right track.

Some friendships have spanned decades and are still going strong. My longest friendship is over 35 years. We try to catch up occasionally to encourage each other, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

How about you? 

Have you got a friend who has stood the test of time, distance, and adversity? If not, don't worry!

There is one who will willingly and happily call you a friend—even when you don't want to be one. Jesus, the Friend of sinners. He is the one who will not repeat your secrets to another, who will not judge you, and who will not compete or strive with you. What’s more, He already died for you. He desperately seeks to be your friend and is waiting for you to accept Him so He can shower you with love, affection, and blessings. If you need such a friend, look no further. Jesus extends the privilege of friendship to all obedient believers, as stated in John 15:13.

Seek out friends who are not afraid to tell you the truth, who will move you in God’s direction, and who love you for who you are, according to Proverbs 17:17.

Seek friends who will nurture you.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

- How does your friendship with God influence your relationships with others? 

- What kind of friends do you currently have? Are they helping you grow spiritually? 

- How do you discern when a friendship is no longer healthy? 

- In what ways can you reflect Jesus’ friendship to others today?

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for offering to be and calling me your friend. Help me to emulate you in being the best friend to someone today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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