What Does The Bible Say About Surrounding Yourself With Believers?

There is a well-known proverb that says, “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.” This may be true, as we tend to associate with those who have more in common with us; however, this is not always the case. Since each person is unique, one is always distinct from others. Thus, it is essential for Christians to continually consult the Bible for guidance. The Word of God is the standard by which we live our lives, so what exactly does the Bible teach us about who we surround ourselves with?

Scripture instructs us to encourage and inspire one another to carry out deeds of love and good work. In particular, in light of the fact that the second coming of Jesus Christ is approaching ever closer, it is vital for us to get together with other Christians and to build each other up in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).

It is of the utmost importance to be careful in our selection of the people with whom we surround ourselves, since this is one of the factors that will determine the path our lives will take. It has been written that if we surround ourselves with wise people, we will also become wise ourselves (He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. . Proverbs 13:20). If, on the other hand, we make the conscious decision to surround ourselves with dishonorable individuals, our great character will be tainted, and our morals will be further compromised (Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33). As a result of this, the company we keep will have a significant impact on the path our lives take.

 

If we want to be wise in our daily walk as Christians, we need to surround ourselves with others who share the same beliefs so that we can remain keen on the Spirit (Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17).  Only then will we be able to be sharp and clear. As a result, if our friend does not share our beliefs, they will never be able to warn or reprimand us if we sin, because our actions may not be something that they consider to be wrong.

When we are part of a community centered on Christ, we will have the opportunity to interact with other individuals who share our faith. As a result, we will be in a position to gain wisdom and experience from them, which will assist us in developing our faith. They will help in carrying our burdens so that we can carry out the law ((Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2). It will always be a good thing when Christians live together in unity, as our fundamental doctrine is the same (A Song of degrees of David.) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  Psalms 133:1).

 

We are also reminded in the Bible to keep away from people who are hot-tempered and those who are easily angered, because we might learn from their ways (Proverbs 22:24–25). It is imperative to remember that we have been cautioned: individuals who are not Christians do not share our values. If we keep hanging out with them, we might be influenced by them, which would be bad for our Christian walk in the long run.

There are instances when we have friends or acquaintances who do not share our values. This could be a struggle for us, but this does not imply that we should fully cut them off from our lives; love does not function in that way. To be able to discern the will of God, which is good and acceptable and perfect, we need to be steadfast and resist the temptation to conform to the standards of the world. Instead, we should let the renewing of our minds transform us, so that even if we are put to the test, we will be able to recognize that the will of God is good (And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2). In this way, we are able to live as a testament of the love that God has for us, while still following the will of the Lord.