October 16 | Wise Relationships

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 20:1–42

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42

Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘May the Lord be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.’ ” So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.

How do we develop wise friendships? Friendship usually begins because of mutual concerns and interests, and deepens as you take time to build your relationship. Whether our interests may be in a sport, classical music, or raising our children—as believers, we have a mutual interest in our faith in Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him.

Many times our past experiences influence our ability in building trusting relationships. If we have been hurt before, we may be less likely to open our hearts again. Or we may base our friendship on personal ambition or selfishness. When we depend on another person for our security or take advantage of someone for our own personal gain, we are not building wise, lasting relationships.

A friendship that is based on the issue of what someone can do for you is not a true friendship. No person can ever satisfy the longing and need in your life. Only Jesus can meet all your needs—spiritual, physical, and emotional.

Building friendships requires risk of possible pain and rejection. However, it is worth the risk to find a friendship anchored by genuine trust, devotion, and loyalty. Ask God to show you how to be a true friend, and begin to work toward a lasting, rewarding friendship.

Lord, thank You for the good friendships You have provided. Help me to be one of those friends who comes alongside others without selfish motives.¹

---

¹  Stanley, C. F. (2006). Pathways to his presence (p. 303). Thomas Nelson Publishers.

October 15 | An Immense Blessing

Scripture Reading: James 2:20–24

Key Verse: Proverbs 18:24

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The Bible gives us many examples of friendship. God called Abraham His friend (James 2:23). Aaron and Hur stood by Moses’ side and supported his hands to ensure victory in battle (Exodus 17:12). David and Jonathan are a well-known example of friendship (1 Samuel 18).

These friendships were more than casual relationships. In the midst of difficulty or hardship, they offered support and strength for each other. When we take time to establish a deep, mutual relationship, we have someone whom we can depend on and who will stand with us no matter what we might face.

We need to be careful as we choose our friends, because they impact our lives. They bring enjoyment, delight, and pleasure. Friends can help us learn how to get along with other people, how to give and take, and how to relate more intimately. They can drive us, motivate us, disillusion us, distress us, or even destroy us.

We all want to feel accepted and loved. If you build a friendship based on a need that you have, it will not last. When the need is satisfied, you will grow weary of the friendship, or you will become dissatisfied if the need is not being met.

Take the time to build true, genuine, devoted, and loyal friendships, and your life will be immensely blessed by the effort.

Lord, the friends I choose either help anchor my faith or create barriers between You and me. Help me to choose wisely those with whom I spend my time.¹

---

¹  Stanley, C. F. (2006). Pathways to his presence (p. 302). Thomas Nelson Publishers.