Scripture Passage: Proverbs 18

Do you have true, strong, healthy relationships in your life? We can all relate that friends are always a huge part of our daily lives, but how do we keep them healthy so they lead us down the right path?

“I Choose You”

Every friendship begins with a choice. The truth in life is that we cannot be best friends with everyone in life, but we can choose who we are close to and who we need to keep at a distance. It is healthy to be selective and intentional with those who you invest your time and emotional energy with.

Discuss: Think of a time when you chose the wrong friend. What were the negative effects of that choice?

“I Know You”

Friendship is about getting to know someone and know someone well. Through knowing someone well we see the good things and we see the bad things, but a friend sees both of these things and still likes you anyway. Having a friend that knows a lot about you helps keep you accountable to the things of the Lord and will know when you need help.

Discuss: Who knows you well? How did that person get to know you well? When and how did that friend help you in your walk with Christ?

“I Challenge You”

A good friend isn’t someone who only says good things to you, but a true friend challenges you to be the best you that you can be. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that we need to sharpen each other like iron sharpens iron — not always a fun process but one that makes us better. We want this challenge so that we can continue to grow towards Christ.

Discuss: Who is someone in your life that challenges you toward Christ? How do they challenge you?

“I’m Committed to You”

True friends are found in adversity. A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out. We have to be on the lookout for these people because they are the ones that are truly on our team through the thick and the thin.

Discuss: Who was there for you during the hard times? What did it mean to you?