June 27 - Friends Who Shape Your Story

JUNE 27 - Friends Who Shape Your Story3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:23–24; 1 Samuel 29//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“The poor man speaks with plea, but the rich man answers roughly. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 18:23–24 (ESV)“Then the Philistine commanders said, ‘Send the man back, that he may not go down with us to battle, lest he become a traitor to us.’ So David’s companions urged him, saying, ‘You will not go down with us to battle, for you will be put to death by the Philistines.’” — 1 Samuel 29:4–5 (ESV)________________________________________Friendships can make life feel amazing—or complicated. Some friends are like a blast of energy, fun, and adventure, but others might lead you into trouble. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us that true friends are rare; they stick closer than family when life gets tough. In 1 Samuel 29, David faced a situation where his “companions” had to make a tough call to protect him, even though it meant temporarily separating from him. True friendship sometimes means tough love, honesty, and looking out for each other, even when it’s not easy.Life will give you people who talk a good game but disappear when things get hard. And you’ll also have friends who will stand by you, offer guidance, or even challenge you for your own good. Choosing the right friends—and being that kind of friend—is a skill that grows with wisdom, patience, and courage.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Spot Real Friends: Who in your life is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? How do you know they are trustworthy?2. Tough Love Matters: Sometimes a friend’s advice may be hard to hear. How can you recognize when they are helping you avoid harm, like David’s companions did (1 Samuel 29:4–5)?3. Be a Friend: What can you do to be the kind of friend who stands by others, gives honest advice, and helps them grow in wisdom and faith?________________________________________BOTTOM LINETrue friends are rare and invaluable—they stick by you, guide you, and protect you even when it’s hard.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for the friends You place in my life. Help me recognize the ones who are trustworthy, and give me the wisdom to be a friend who encourages, protects, and speaks truth in love. Teach me to surround myself with people who help me grow closer to You and guide me even when it’s difficult. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.