It’s no secret that who we hang around with affects us, mentally and spiritually.
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Cor. 15:33
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20
It’s important we surround ourselves with people who will nourish us and not drain us. Who will compel us to come higher in God. Not someone who will reason away the areas in our life that need to change. But will encourage us to align our life and actions with the Word of God.
Here are a few of the people we need to surround ourselves with.
Those who will help you be who God called you to be.
God created you the way you are for a reason. To fulfill your destiny and help change those around you with the unique gifts and callings God has placed within you. Surround yourself with people who will nurture those things in you.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thess. 5:11
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. Eccl. 4:9-12
Those who believe in your dreams and will help push you toward them.
We all need this type of person in our life. One who believes in us and our dreams. We all need a cheerleader, or someone who will encourage us to dream big and to press toward that dream with all that is within us.
Sometimes the journey gets hard, having someone by our side who believes in us will make all the difference in the world.
Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19
Be with those who make you better, not bitter.
Negativity is contagious – make no doubt about it. If you spend a lot of time around a bitter person you will begin to see things through the same lens they see through. Stay away from bitter people. Stay away from those who see the worst in people and situations. Search out those who see the good in people, who believe the best in others and in situations they are walking through.
Those will be the people who think like God, who see people as God sees them. They will not judge with their eyes, but with the spirit of God inside of them. They are the ones who see what needs to change, but instead of judging and gossiping, they pray for those around them, encouraging them to rise above.
Surround yourself with those who will hold you accountable.
Many times, the same people who believe in your dreams and in you, are the people who will speak truth to you, even when it is hard to hear. Keep those friends close.
As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:5-7
Friends, it matters who we surround ourselves with. Surround yourself with people of faith and hope. With those who encourage and lift up. Someone who will add something valuable to your life. As you do, be sure to add something valuable to theirs as well. Be the friend you want others to be.
Meditate on this!
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9
