God has some very specific wisdom and counsel when it comes to choosing the people we allow to influence us. When we think about the impact of relationships, it is helpful to take into account what Solomon says about the core of who we are – our hearts (used hundreds of times in the Bible.)

What if we could receive friendship guidance from the One who made us and understands us? What might He say about our friendships? The most commonly used word for “friend” and “neighbor” in the book of Proverbs is formed from the verb meaning “associate with”. The noun thus refers to another person with whom one is close. The translation “friend” indicates emotional attachment, while “neighbor” fits those contexts where spatial intimacy is meant.

I think we give up on people too quickly. I think people give up on us too quickly. Biblical friendships are made of stronger stuff. Christ wants a sustaining commitment to one another. Adversity causes the relational cream in our life to rise to the top. There are people in your life who have become permanent fixtures when adversity comes your way. It’s the familiar voice you hear when you are coming out of anesthesia. It’s the person who drops off a meal when they know you are too exhausted to make one.