Greetings Fellow Believers,      

James 2:23 says, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham  believed in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.”

The phrase “no new friends” is a popular commentary in our generation when it comes to forming new relationships with people. Oftentimes, people tend to stick with their friends they’ve known for years and the ones who have been through thick and thin with them. However, the length of a relationship does NOT determine if these so-called "friendships" are beneficial or individuals equally yoked. As believers, sometimes the transition within our journey with Christ requires us to clean up our friendship group. It may be hard to realize or admit but everyone around us isn't always our friend. Some are simply place holders in our lives because of our fear of being alone or being deemed as switching up on the people we've known before our journey with Christ.

For friendships and relationships to last there must be trust and truthfulness. Ultimately, there can be no friendship where there is no trust. Those individuals who you hang out with on the weekend but would never tell your inner most, darkest secrets are NOT your friends; they are simply associates. That person who you can’t see doing wrong to everyone else around them, yet you still have faith that they won’t turn on you too is not your friend. Those people who only call and check in on you when they need something are not your friends.

As we grow as a believer, sometimes we forget that a fresh start may also mean our friend group as well. While we are in the midst of stepping away from past friendships and relationships, we must not forget God is a friend that can be trusted. When we think we have no one else, we always have him as our true BFF. God will never lead us astray, lie to us or backstab us. In fact, he will be your shoulder to cry on, pick you up when you fall and supply your every need. We must not get so caught up in worldly friendships that we lose sight of who our ultimate friend is. Good lasting friendships take time whether it means with God or your peers.

In closing, remember to not attach yourself to individuals who truly do not value your spirit or friendship, because ultimately you will always have a dear friend in God.

                           Respectively Submitted,

                                Sis. Niya J. Montgomery