Proverbs 12:26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Friendships can have a positive or negative impact on a person’s life. Having the right group of people in your circle of friends is a blessing from the Lord. However, the wrong person or people in your life is dangerous and toxic. The Bible exhorts us to choose our friends wisely and to be careful of the company we keep.

It’s important to maintain and keep friendships with women who will have your best interest at heart. I have serveral close relationships with my sisters in Christ. These ladies are God’s blessings sent down from heaven above – they fervently pray for me, they are there for me in my darkest hour, they consistently speak the truth of God’s Word into my life, they provide biblical counsel when needed, they lovingly rebuke me in times of correction, they faithfully cheer me on in my race of faith, and they constantly display the love and compassion of Christ. These women are genuine, living examples of what it means to be a true godly friend. Their Christ-like behavior is shown in their words and actions. I thank God for these beautiful ladies; each of them are rare gems and priceless treasures from the Lord Himself.

James 1:17a Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.

Ladies, I encourage you all to choose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with wise, mature godly women who will build you up in Christ, encourage you in your faith, and consistently point you towards Jesus. Spending time or fellowshipping with the wrong person or people can be a stumbling block to your spiritual growth and your walk with the Lord. People who tear you down and others with their words and actions are harmful. These relationships are a threat to your witness for Christ and they have the potential to ruin your reputation. Do not spend time with women who are negative, critical, gossipers, backbiters, manipulators, deceivers, liars, someone who talks down to you and about others as well as someone who is a compromised believer. A person of this nature causes division among friends as well as the body of Christ. Instead, pray for this person to repent and turn completely away from their destructive behavior. Fellowshipping with such a person will lead to you learning their ways and becoming like them.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

It’s not something I’m proud of, but there was a season in my life where I used to be that woman who liked to gossip. As a consequence of my actions, I lost a few friends and there was a lack of trust among others. The Lord showed me through His Word that I was being a bad example and my actions were not pleasing to Him.

Proverbs 16:28 (NLT) A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

I needed to repent of my sin, turn completely away from it, become a faithful Ambassador for Christ, and become a diligent godly and living example to the women in my sphere of influence. By God’s grace and enabling, He made it possible.

Ladies, I highly encourage you to be that true godly witness to the women in your life. Just as you want someone to cheer you on in your faith and pray for you, be that godly inspiration to the friends in your life. Be a woman of integrity. Bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a). Also, speak words of affirmation which builds people up. Encourage your friends in their walk with the Lord, intercede (pray) on their behalf, and let the light of Jesus shine brightly through your words and actions.

Choose your friends wisely and also be a wise friend to the women in your life.

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.