Daily devotional, October 16, 2023 Precious few
"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14
The title “Miss Congeniality” is one of the most popular special awards given to a deserving beauty contestant. It is specifically meant for the lady who was seen as the most warm and friendly among all that joined the beauty tilt.
As Christians, we are all encouraged to be warm and accommodating to all. In fact, not just to our fellow believers, but even to our enemies (Luke 6:33). In matters of friendship though, it may be a different case. If Miss Congeniality calls for some kind of “the more, the merrier” approach to forging friendships, Christians are not called out even if they only have a “precious few.” Proverbs 18:24 says: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Real friendship after all requires a relationship, far more deeper than being acquainted with someone and just having a common interest.
The Book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of lessons on choosing friends and sustaining the relationship. It underscores the crucial factor of possible influence, as one of the ways a person ought to choose another individual to forge that bond: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20).
This same principle was echoed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. In his First Letter to that church, he cautioned the congregation against assimilating with non-believers who may pollute their minds “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.‘ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).
What is good about keeping precious few friendships with fellow believers is that one gets to keep the other in check when it comes to gospel values. There is responsibility and accountability in the relationship and not just aimless fun. Proverbs 27:5-6 reminds us of our responsibility to our friends: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” We are to rebuke one another as needed, and of course rejoice together during joyous times, and weep alongside each other through life’s challenges.
Precious few friendships also mean there is enough time to get together to encourage each other through every season of life (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Since there’s just a few schedules to align, and just one group to think about, hangouts become more joyful, intentional, sincere and Christ-centered. When you have various groups, with various people, and equally varied schedules, it is more difficult to keep friendships afloat, let alone enjoy the kind of friendship that the Lord wants us to nurture.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Hebrews 10:24-25 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you nurture your relationship with the precious few friends you hold dearly?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing precious few friends that see us through every season of our life. Please bless them and their families Lord, and sustain our relationship so that we could hand-in-hand liuve a life that is pleasing to you. Amen.
