Anyone who has ever been part of any of the Churches of God knows what happens with "loyal" friends when they start asking questions or leave the church. Those friends disappear so fast it is shocking. Loyal friends do not exist. You soon discover you have lots and lots of acquaintances, but only a few loyal friends, if any at all.
Loyal friends stick by you no matter what and do not care what some ministers say to do. Those that leave soon find that there are far more friends OUTSIDE the church that will stick by you than you ever had when in the church. That alone is a curse on the Churches of God.
Keys to Friendship: The Bible tells us that “There are friends who bring ruin, but there are true friends more loyal than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, New American Bible, Revised Edition), and that true friends are supportive during difficult times (Proverbs 17:17). Jesus shared important thoughts and concerns with His friends (John 15:15). Real friends may not always agree with us, but they will tell us what we need to hear because they care for us (Proverbs 27:6, 17). The Bible warns that we need to choose our friends carefully because we are influenced by the company we keep (Proverbs 12:26). Abraham was a friend of God because he chose to obey God’s instructions (James 2:23; Genesis 12:1–4; Genesis 26:5), and he understood that friendship with the world would alienate him from God (James 4:4). If we choose to be a friend of God and Jesus Christ, and we work to build friendships with those we come into contact with, we can be lights to the world.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
