Wisdom in Friendship

Good morning beloved

We need to ask the Lord at all times to choose our friends

Jesus when he walked the earth had 70 (some translations say 72)  who he discipled and sent, then there were

The twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, as listed in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 10:2-4), are Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (or Jude), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot

AND there were 3 whom he drew even closer Peter, James and John

Here is an adaptation about the 3

The 3 Inner Circle (Peter, James, and John): The Intimate Witnesses 

• Role: Peter, James, and John were selected from the 12 for special, intimate moments.

• Purpose: To experience key revelations of Jesus' divinity and humanity that the rest of the disciples did not witness.

• Moments: They were present at the raising of Jairus' daughter, the Transfiguration, and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

• Distinction: These three were prepared for specific leadership roles in the early church, notably in Jerusalem

In studying these passages and the adaptation I understand that we should follow the patterns of LOVING ALL - pouring out to others, but being very discerning in who we draw close to and expose our weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Amplified Bible

14 Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

We need to know where each person who comes our way is positioned, to stay in the centre of God's will.

I am truly blessed to have wonderful Holy Spirit filled friendships.  I do have  more than 3 and we pray together at midnight and noon every day. I appreciate them very much and am happy to live my life with this "family"

For friendships established in God’s standards it is very necessary to be "like minded" about Foundational Doctrinal matters - The Triune God, only one way to the Father ie is through Jesus Christ, Water Baptism, The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and that the Bible is the true word of God.

Other factors for consideration:

1 A teachable  Spirit

2 Is the fruit of LOVE evident in one's relationships and ministry

3 Repentance I think is the key to having healthy flourishing relationships. We all may fail, sin or fall short at some point but repentance is key. Repentance is different from an apology and a confession. Repentance brings restitution and restoration and it negates ungodly destructive patterns from being established in all our relationships not just friendships. This opens the way for the  Spirit of Truth to be in operation so that The Holy Spirit can do the deep work of sanctification and purification.

4 Obedience - if an individual walks in obedience there is a wonderful fruit, for  disobedience there is always a consequence. Disobedience is sin and sin is simply defined as anything out of the will of God. Let me say again there is always a  consequence from disobedience and in some situations like a marriage we will need to wait until God changes it, but otherwise do not be yoked with disobedience or one will share the consequences

5 Humility is connected to the fruit of Spirit of LOVE. With humility there will be submission one to another. A necessity for fruitful relationships

Let us pray that God will give us discernment in who to draw into our inner circle

Agreement and one accordness is necessary to bring about God’s end time agenda as it unleashes God's power on Earth as it is in Heaven, brings about his Kingdom come and his will be done....brings about the overflow of the Spirit of God for Revival and awakening

Let us be vigilant in protecting the bond of unity and one accordness, but also to be wise in who we draw very close

We thank God for giving us more discernment and wisdom in Jesus name