What about your friends? Will they stand their ground? Will they let you down again? What about your friends? Are they gonna be low down? Will they ever be around… Way back in 1992 prophetic psalmists T-Boz, Left Eye, & Chilli released a song to remind us all to evaluate one of the most influential relationships we have – our friendships. In chapter six of our Beauty Begins devotional, Megan Shook Alpha discusses the importance of surrounding ourselves as women with a team of Christ-centered peers who encourage us to chase after God. Before we review the lesson, take a moment to think about your circle of friends. Are these women (or men) of integrity and virtue? Do they uplift you and support you? Or do they use and abuse your friendship?

Ladies, one of our biggest struggles is properly choosing relationships. This includes both frienships and romantic partners. The first thing to note is that it is a choice! You decide who becomes your friend, which means that you reserve the right to end toxic friendships as well. Right now many women are headed off to college this fall. Other women are preparing to relocate to another city for work. Perhaps you are deciding if your current boyfriend is husband material? Whatever the case, it’s crucuial that you learn how to choose your “team”. Proverbs 18:24 says “There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” 

Right now, over age thirty, I have the same two best friends that I had at at six. I have acquired many other friends ( whether seasonal or permanent ) through high school, college, and work. However, these two women are my covenant partners that have stood the test of time and battle. I’m grateful to God for recently sending other women into my life who have shown to be full of love and integrity. How can you decide who fits the criteria for a godly friendship? Ask yourself, do these friends have a relationship with God? Are they involved in kingdom ministry? Do they put you down? Do they talk about you behind your back? Do they pressure you to sin?

After reading the questions maybe you’ve realized you could stand to be a much better friend yourself? Don’t worry, next quarter is all about that very topic, but for now, make a conscious decision to start living out the fruit of the spirit. Encourage your friends to live a life of righteousness, in thought and action. Extend grace to them when they fall and lead them to repentance. Forgive them when they make human mistakes…none of us are perfect. Lastly, don’t be afraid to listen to the Lord when He leads you to end close friendships that don’t glorify Him. Trust me, by employing these methods, you will surely have a beautiful team!