Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #28 — Friendship

Picture: Counsel #28 — Friendship CI 157.1

What kind of characters do the men you keep close have? The people we surround ourselves with often shape the direction of our thoughts, habits, and spiritual focus more than we realize. Even the strongest man can be pulled off course by friendships that treat faith like a joke, celebrate impurity, or make godliness seem outdated or weak. CI 157.2

The world might glorify friendships based on humor and competition, but this isn’t biblical. A godly man will always choose companions who challenge him to grow, call him out when he drifts, and encourage him to stay faithful despite hard circumstances. This doesn’t mean you should cut everyone off, but it does mean you need to be wise about who gets your time and trust. In the Bible, King David and Jonathan were brothers in the Spirit who supported each other through trials, shared a covenant before God, and prioritized faith over status or pride. That’s biblical friendship, and it’s still possible today. So, whether you’re a college student choosing your crew, a dad spending time with other fathers, or a pastor navigating ministry friendships, remember that your spiritual health is often only as strong as your circle of comrades.^[174] CI 157.3

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” Proverbs 13:20 NIV CI 157.4

“Christian friends are not half as plentiful as they should be.” Ellen White in Sons and Daughters of God , p. 161 CI 157.5

Reflect: Are your closest friendships strengthening your walk with Christ? CI 157.6