I have been doing some thinking about the role of friendship in discipleship, spiritual growth and Christian maturity. Epicurus once wrote, "Of all the means...to ensure happiness throughout the whole of life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends." Is the goal of biblical friendship happiness? Or is Christian friendship for holiness? Proverbs 27:17 states, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." I believe that longstanding friendships when done according to Scripture should manifest into measureable benchmarks in the spiritual life of all parties. Friends should influence each other toward godliness. As a result, the parties involved will challenge each other to reach new heights in their spiritual life. Holiness must precede happiness especially in marriages and friendships!
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