The Contented Life Daily Devotionalनमूना

Cultivate Godly Friendships

Nothing is more profound and life-changing than discovering and believing that God loves you. Knowing God's love for you and seeing yourself the way He sees you brings a security you could never find within yourself or in this world. It’s imperative in your growing relationship with God that you find and cultivate godly friendships with people who also see you as God sees you and are going in the same direction. Friends that sharpen you.

Are some people in your life who haven't sharpened you like a true friend? Do they help you grow in your faith, or are they trying to pull you in a different direction? A friend once said, "It's way easier to pull someone down off a ladder than it is to pull someone up onto a ladder." You can rarely successfully bring someone up to your level if they desire to keep you down at their level. Almost always, you'll end up being pulled down with them.

Where you are today is largely because of friendships you have chosen in the past. You always have the choice to build on the friendships that sharpen and lift you up. Seek out friends you can be honest with and who can be honest with you. Find people who can see your weaknesses and blind spots but also have your back. Give them permission to keep you accountable and do the same for them. Become part of a small group community in your church that meets regularly for Bible studies and social gatherings.

As you journey through the contented life, you must surround yourself with people growing in their faith and God's love. Like iron sharpens iron, cultivating these friendships will make you stronger and sharper!

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By: Kevan Dobsin