7 Truths of Marriage: How Two Become OneSample

Becoming Friends

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (Amplified)

Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. The five people you are closest to will influence you the most. The problem for most husbands is the average man has zero to one friend. Not a co-worker or that guy he nods to in the gym, but a true friend. This problem leaves a void for positive relationships needed to mentor and disciple.

We’re not only targeting the guys. Women are also deeply influenced by their peer circle. Are you still hanging with the single ladies or those who’ve been or going through a divorce? It’s one thing to empathize and support but totally different than identifying yourself with them.

Be careful about who influences your life because we are all discipled by someone or something. Jesus discipled His followers by teaching, showing, and empowering them to do as He did. It works the same way with learning to become a solid married couple.

The people who influence you are key indicators of your marriage’s potential for success. Misery loves company. Divorced people congregate together, as do adulterers, addicts, and many other behaviors. On the positive side, happily married couples attract and help create happily married couples. Protect your best marriage by wisely recognizing who you allow into your innermost circle.

Truth Talk:

Each of you should identify who would be considered the five people (couples) you are respectively closest to. Determine the nature of each relationship, whether it is beneficial to remain as closely connected, or better given a little space to open the door for relationships that will foster growth in your marriage.