Relationships have a tendency to rub off on us. Who are you, your spouse, or your loved one surrounding themselves with? A friend of mine would always say, "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." There's a lot of truth in that. The qualities of others tend to rub off on us. We need to be careful to choose our friends wisely. The bible says, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray" (Proverbs 12:26).
There is a certain peace and joy that fills the atmosphere when you surround yourself with the right people. Neil and I have left many dinner engagements with the peace and joy of the Lord. We've also left other engagements where that wasn't the case. It's always a good idea to examine with whom you spend your time. Make sure the relationships you're engaging in are encouraging, positive, and fulfilling to your life or marriage.
Prayer by Stormie Omartian:
Lord, I pray for (name of person you are praying for) to have good, godly male friends with whom he can openly share his heart. May they be trustworthy men of wisdom who will speak truth into his life and not just say what he wants to hear (Proverbs 28:23). Give him the discernment to separate himself from anyone who will not be of a good influence (1 Corinthians 5:13). Show him the importance of godly friendships and help me encourage him to sustain them. Give us believing married couples with whom we can feel comfortable sharing our lives.
I pray for strong, peaceful relationships with each of his family members, neighbors, acquaintances, and coworkers. Today I specifically pray for his relationship with (name of person). Inspire open communication and mutual acceptance between them. Let there be reconciliation where there has been estrangement. Work peace into anything that needs to be worked out.
I pray that in his heart he will honor his father and mother so that he will live long and be blessed in his life (Exodus 20:12). Enable him to be a forgiving person and not carry grudges or hold things in his heart against others. Lord, You've said in Your Word that "he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes" (1 John 2:11). I pray that my husband would never be blinded by the darkness of unforgiveness, but continually walk in the light of forgiveness. May he not judge or show contempt for anyone but remember that "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" (Romans 14:10). Enable him to love his enemies, bless those who curse him, do good to those who hate him, and pray for those who spitefully use him and persecute him (Matthew 5:44). I pray that I will be counted as his best friend and that our friendship with one another will continue to grow. Show him what it means to be a true friend and enable him to be one. AMEN
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