Biblical Friendships

When I published the devotion “4 Types of People Scripture Tells Us to Avoid,” some folks disagreed, reminding me that Jesus hung out with tax collectors and prostitutes.

But we can’t refute one Scripture by quoting another.

Scripture doesn’t contradict itself.

So what does Scripture say about relationships?

It commands us to avoid certain types of people (See Scriptures Here).

But that doesn't mean we avoid all unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:9-11).

Friendship evangelism is an appropriate way to show our love for others with these precautions:

1. We should genuinely care for them, not just see them as evangelism “projects” (Romans 12:9).

2. We should be proactive in sharing Christ with them (Ephesians 5:16).

3. We should never compromise our beliefs to be with them (Ephesians 5:3-4).

4. Our closest friends should be believers because they'll strongly influence our values and beliefs (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

Christ associated with ungodly people in appropriate settings, and He always shared the Gospel with them. But His close friends were His disciples. 
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For a more thorough look at this subject, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study. 

You might also want to check out these 1-minute devotions on friendship:
Have We Forgotten What Real Friendship Looks Like?
Making Christians Friends a Priority
Friends Can be Wonderful Peer Mentors

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