Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other. -Ecclesiastes 4:9
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Rich is the person who has a praying friend. -Janice Hughes
When you’re going through hard times, God is not only with you, but He also works through supportive siblings in Christ. God strengthens these siblings so they can give gentle reproof, accountability, sanity checks, sympathy, and powerful support in prayer.
How friends help you
Gentle reproof
True friends aren’t yes men who just tell you that it’s the person(s) you’re having issues with are totally to blame. Friends who are siblings in Christ will gently check you when you’re being worldly in word, thought, and/or seed.
Accountability
Likewise, godly friends will watch out for you by holding you accountable for doing the right thing. It’s far too easy to either strike back against being wronged, or allow wrongdoing to continue. Friends can ensure you’re walking the walk.
Sanity checks
“Am I crazy? Is this really happening? Am I contributing to this?” These are all questions that godly friends can help you understand and answer. They can even help you figure out if those questions are the right ones to ask.
Sympathy
Sometimes, you just need friends who can let you break down and let it out. Though we are to completely let the Lord handle our lives, our flesh will still creep into the picture, and we’ll start feeling the stress and pain. Friends can help you release that without judgment, so you can then surrender it again in prayer and travel light once more.
Supporting prayer
Prayer is crucial. With friends supporting you in prayer, you’re marshaling mighty forces of intercession. God hears our prayers and acts on them according to His will and timing.
Stay on the path!
Godly friends help one another in Christ to stay on a righteous path, and to keep the deceiver at bay, because Satan loves to chisel his way into a foothold when your emotions start ramping up.
Don’t go it alone. God gave you a support network. Use it, and do your part in it as well when your siblings are in need.
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