1) Focus. Friendships that take our focus away from Christ should not be made. “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). It seems fairly easy to make a distinction between “the world” and those who are “not of the world.” If people are not living according to the Biblical principles and exhortations, they are “of the world.” Those who live a godly life following the Bible are “not of the world.”
2)
Separation. Friendships
should be made cautiously, lest others pull us away from God. “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the
way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26). Those people who live in ungodly ways and
contrary to Biblical principles are individuals with whom one should not
associate in a social manner.
3)
Change. Sometimes
a so-called friend may turn against us.
“In return for my
friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and
hatred for my friendship” (Psalms 109:4-5). Are there people who are
accusatory when it comes to their relationship with you and other people? Do you find them doing evil things to you and
to others? Do not begin a friendship
with such a person or break off a former friendship relationship you have had
with them so you can focus on that which is positive and godly.
4)
Personal. A
personal friendship with God is possible. “Oh, for the days when I was
in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house” (Job 29:4). Where
have you found God blessing your life? Can
you identify several things that God has done for you showing his mercy and
grace? Take time to develop your
relationship with God to give you the strength you need to live in godly ways.
What do these verses tell us? Do they mean that we cannot be friends with those who do not believe like we do? Of course, the answer is “no.” “God loved the world (each individual) so much that he gave His one and only Son (Jesus) to die for them that they might heave eternal life” (John 3:16). Scripture also reminds us that we are to “Love one another” (I John 4:11-12).
People who name the name of
Christ and have put their faith and trust in Christ as their Savior, ought to
live in such a way that their life points others to the Savior. Jesus gave this command, “Let your light shine before men, that
they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”
(Matthew 5:6). Should we love the world?
“Yes”. Should we show ourselves
friendly? “Yes.” However, let’s make sure our friendships are
those which will lead us and others to the Savior instead of away from Him.
