He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Proverbs 13:20

The Bible tells us to be careful about who you surround yourself with because their habits, attitudes, and values will become yours; your life will rise and fall based on who you associate with. The companion of fools will be destroyed, but wise, loving, and faithful friends will guide you to Jesus.

As you build friendships and relationships, make sure that you are surrounding yourself with faith-friends—people who will encourage you to follow God in all areas of your life. Mark 2 describes a paralytic man who had four faithful friends. They knew that Jesus was preaching in a house nearby and wanted so badly for their friend to be healed by Jesus. However, the crowds were so thick that they could not possibly get close to Him. But with faith and determination, they carried their paralyzed friend up to the roof, tore a hole, and lowered him down into the house next to Jesus. Mark 2:5 says, When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Jesus healed the paralytic telling him to get up and walk. Because he had loving and faithful friends who were determined to bring him to Jesus, the paralytic man was healed! Just like this man, be sure to surround yourself with people who will bring you to Jesus.

Faith friends will teach, encourage, challenge, and lead you in your relationship with God. God has designed you to need and thrive in relationships, and if you invite Him in, He will guide you in this area. Keep in mind that one of the devil’s strategies is to bring someone into your life that will lead you to compromise in your faith or values, but when God wants to bless you, He will often bring someone into your life to encourage you in your faith. Invite God into your friendships and ask Him to lead you to the relationships that He has for you.