Biblical Answer

The Power of True Friendship

In the passage provided, we see the importance of true friendship, especially when it comes to our friends who do not yet know the Lord. The Bible teaches us that true friends are those who are faithful, trustworthy, and supportive of one another. They do not take advantage of each other, spy on one another, or have secrets. Instead, they glory in each other's successes and are downcast by each other's failures. They minister to each other and are concerned about each other's well-being.

As Christians, we are called to cultivate friendships with those who are not yet believers, praying regularly and definitely for their conversion. We are to stick to people of our own sex and about our own age, and to be willing to minister to them in whatever way seems necessary. This type of friendship is a beautiful reflection of God's love and care for us, and it is a powerful witness to those who do not yet know the Lord. When we demonstrate true friendship, we are showing the world what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

As we seek to build relationships with our friends who do not yet know the Lord, we must be mindful of God's sovereignty and His desire to use us as instruments of His love and redemption. We must pray for discernment and wisdom as we navigate these relationships, and be willing to be used by God in ways that may be uncomfortable or challenging. Ultimately, our goal is not to manipulate or coerce our friends into becoming Christians, but to reflect the love and character of Jesus in our lives, and to point them to the One who can truly satisfy their hearts and souls. By doing so, we are demonstrating the power of true friendship and the transformative love of God.