An Intimate Reward

  

“Go from the presence of a foolish man...” (Proverbs 14:7a)

“Make no friendship with an angry man...” (Proverbs 22:24a) 

When you bond with the wrong people, bad things usually happen. Relationships in life are critical; none are without significance one way or another.

Earthquakes result when two plates on a fault line shift against one another. That’s what happens when you bond with the wrong kind of people. We must choose our friendship with discernment and wisdom. Avoid bringing into your “inner circle” people who are takers (but never give), liars, manipulators, joy robbers, strife and contention breeders, people that tend to drain you, confuse you, or belittle you.

Intimate, close relationships should be earned–not freely given. True friendship is a reward, not a requirement. Only those who respect you, share your values and affirm you should be rewarded a relationship. If you don’t monitor your friendships closely, you can find yourself influenced by people that will only drag you down and deter you from the will of God (and a relationship “earthquake” is just around the corner).


The Pastor’s Pocket
Pastor Bruce Freeman

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