Living LighterSample

Relationships:

Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

When we were young, relationships seemed so simple. We played with someone for an hour, and suddenly, they were our new best friend. It did not take much to let your guard down and genuinely feel close to someone because there were no expectations other than to be a friend. When we get older, life tends to complicate what God intended to be simple. If the relationships in your life are tearing you down, taking you away from God’s path, or making you feel constantly exhausted, it may be time for a pause.

Every relationship will be tested and go through difficult times, so it is not the one-off situation we are looking for; it is the pattern of consistency. Is my friend consistently making me a worse version of myself? Or am I consistently the only one to make an effort? These can be difficult questions to ask yourself, but they are also questions that bring clarity. Pray to God to reveal friendships in your life that may not be adding as much value as you think. The enemy can work through people to distract us from what God wants for our lives. The Holy Spirit can work through the right people to help you figure out this complicated life we can create. He can bring you peace and understanding. With a world so confusing, friendships should be simple. Friendships should make you feel safe and understood; everything else is a beautiful bonus.

Practice: Read the prayer below and then answer these questions.

1. Who in my life I KNOW would stand up for me?

2. Who in my life makes me laugh even in the toughest situations?

3. Who in my life can I be myself around?

Prayer: God, we pray for you to reveal who is for us. We pray for godly friendships that make us laugh, comfort us when we grieve, and pursue truth in love. We pray to also be that friend to others and have the boldness to recognize when a relationship has run its course. Amen.