Tag: Relationship

What Does the Bible Say About Friends?

Quick Answer

The Bible teaches that true friends love at all times (Proverbs 17:17), offer wise counsel (Proverbs 27:9), speak truth in love (Proverbs 27:5-6), and help sharpen one another spiritually (Proverbs 27:17). Jesus is the ultimate example of a true friend, laying down his life for us (John 15:13). Scripture encourages us to choose friends wisely, as they can profoundly influence us for good or bad.

Friendship is a vital aspect of human life and a key theme throughout Scripture. From the very beginning, God designed humans for relationship – with Himself and with one another. The Bible offers rich insight into the nature of godly friendships, their importance, and how to cultivate them. This article will explore what God’s Word teaches about friendship, examining its characteristics, benefits, challenges, and ultimately how our friendships should reflect Christ’s love.

The Importance of Friendship

The Bible affirms the great value of friendship:

  1. Friendship meets our innate need for companionship. God said it was “not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We were created for community.
  2. Friends can provide comfort, support, and strength in difficult times. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks of how two are better than one, for they can help each other up when one falls.
  3. Godly friends can sharpen us spiritually and help us grow in faith. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
  4. Friendship enriches our lives and brings joy. Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
  5. Friendship allows us to practice Christ-like love and service to others. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

See also: Bible Verses about Friendship

Characteristics of True Friendship

The Bible describes several key qualities of genuine friendship:

Loyalty and Faithfulness

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). True friends stick with us through good times and bad.

Honesty and Truth-Telling

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6). Real friends speak truth in love, even when it’s difficult.

Mutual Edification

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Friends challenge each other to grow in godliness.

Sacrifice and Service

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). True friendship involves self-giving love.

Encouragement and Emotional Support

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Friends comfort and uplift one another.

Wise Counsel

“…the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:9). Good friends offer godly advice and wisdom.

Forgiveness and Grace

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). True friends extend grace and forgiveness.

Shared Faith and Values

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers…” (2 Corinthians 6:14). The deepest friendships are rooted in a common love for Christ.

Choosing Friends Wisely

Scripture emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting our close friends:

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26 (ESV)

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV)

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)

Our friends can profoundly shape our character, values, and choices. We should seek out friendships that will encourage our faith and help us grow in godliness.

See more: Bible Verses about Friends

Challenges in Friendship

The Bible is realistic about the difficulties that can arise in friendships:

Betrayal and Disappointment

Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

Psalm 41:9 (ESV)

Gossip and Slander

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 16:28 (ESV)

Bad Influences

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man

Proverbs 22:24 (ESV)

Jealousy and Competition

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 14:30 (ESV)

Unforgiveness and Bitterness

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)

Jesus as the Ultimate Friend

Jesus Christ provides the perfect model of friendship:

1. He calls us friends

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15 (ESV)

2. He laid down his life for us

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 (ESV)

3. He offers constant companionship

…I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

4. He gives wise counsel through His Word and Spirit

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:26 (ESV)

5. He extends forgiveness and grace

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us

Romans 5:8 (ESV)

Our human friendships should reflect and be rooted in our ultimate friendship with Christ.

See also: Bible Verses about Jesus as a Friend

Practical Applications

Here are some ways to apply biblical principles of friendship:

  1. Prioritize your relationship with Christ as your primary “friendship.”
  2. Intentionally invest in deep, spiritually edifying friendships within your church community.
  3. Be the kind of loyal, encouraging, truth-telling friend that you want to have.
  4. Extend hospitality and look for ways to sacrificially serve your friends.
  5. Speak words of affirmation and encouragement to build up your friends.
  6. Pray regularly for your friends and their spiritual growth.
  7. Be willing to have difficult conversations and offer biblical counsel when needed.
  8. Quickly extend forgiveness when friends hurt or disappoint you.
  9. Look for opportunities to share the gospel with non-Christian friends.
  10. Continually evaluate your friendships to ensure they are drawing you closer to Christ.

Conclusion

God has designed friendship as a beautiful gift to enrich our lives and help us grow in Christlikeness. As we cultivate deep, godly friendships, we experience a foretaste of the perfect love and unity we will one day enjoy in heaven. May we cherish the gift of friendship, choose our friends wisely, and above all, find our ultimate friendship in Christ.

References

  1. https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-friends.html
  2. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/true-friends-are-hard-to-find
  3. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/you-still-need-good-friends
  4. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/forgiving-the-wounds-of-a-friend
  5. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-a-friend-we-have-in-jesus
  6. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-gospel-and-friendship
  7. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/friends-shape
  8. https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/friendship
  9. https://blogs.bible.org/can-men-and-women-be-friends
  10. https://bible.org/seriespage/9-becoming-friend-god-genesis-18
  11. https://bible.org/article/should-christians-have-unbelieving-friends
  12. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/christian-friends
  13. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/true-friendship
  14. https://answersingenesis.org/education/spurgeon-sermons/120-a-faithful-friend
  15. https://www.compellingtruth.org/Bible-friends.html
  16. https://www.compellingtruth.org/true-friendship.html
  17. https://www.challies.com/book-reviews/friendship-and-the-grace-of-god
  18. https://www.challies.com/articles/why-are-you-friends-with-your-friends
  19. https://www.challies.com/articles/an-unexpected-overlooked-benefit-of-friendships
  20. https://www.9marks.org/article/little-help-my-friends
  21. https://www.9marks.org/article/the-gospel-for-a-gay-friend
  22. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/my-friend-is-totally-judging-and-criticizing-his-friends
  23. https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/friendship
  24. https://blog.truthforlife.org/three-traits-of-a-true-friend
  25. https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/4/12/2023
  26. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2021/06/the-importance-of-friendship
  27. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/when-you-may-or-may-not-need-to-step-back-from-a-friendship
  28. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/christ-centered-friendship

What Does the Bible Say About Judging Others?

Quick Answer

The Bible teaches that Christians should be discerning and evaluate behaviors and teachings according to God’s Word, but should avoid hypocritical or self-righteous judgment of others. We are called to judge righteously, with humility and love, while recognizing that God is the ultimate Judge.

The topic of judging others is one that often creates tension and controversy among Christians. On one hand, we are called to be discerning and to stand for truth. On the other hand, we are warned against being judgmental and self-righteous. This article seeks to explore what the Bible really says about judging others, examining key passages and principles to guide us in navigating this complex issue.

Key Principles

We Should Not Judge Hypocritically or Self-Righteously

Jesus warned against hypocritical judgment, saying “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). This doesn’t mean we should never make moral evaluations, but rather that we should examine our own lives first before pointing out others’ faults. Jesus uses the vivid illustration of trying to remove a speck from someone’s eye while having a log in our own, highlighting the absurdity of judging others for sins we ourselves struggle with.

We Are Called to Judge Righteously According to the Bible

Jesus said, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24). This indicates that there is a right way to judge. We are to make righteous judgments based on God’s standards, not our own opinions or superficial assessments. This requires careful discernment, knowledge of Scripture, and a commitment to truth.

We Should Judge with Humility and Love

When confronting sin, we should do so gently and humbly, recognizing our own weakness. Paul instructs, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1). The goal is restoration, not condemnation. Our judgments should be motivated by love and concern for others, not a desire to feel superior.

We Are to Be Discerning About Doctrine and Behavior

Paul instructed believers to judge those inside the church and expel the immoral brother (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). We are to evaluate teachings and behaviors according to Scripture. This is crucial for maintaining the purity and integrity of the church. However, this judgment is not about personal condemnation but about upholding God’s standards within the community of believers.

Recognizing God as the Ultimate Judge

While we are called to discern right from wrong, we must remember that God alone can judge hearts and eternal destinies. James reminds us, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12). We should be careful not to go beyond what Scripture allows, recognizing the limits of our understanding and authority.

The Standard We Use to Judge Others

Jesus warned that the measure we use to judge others will be used to judge us (Matthew 7:2). This sobering truth should cause us to approach judgment with great care and mercy. We should extend grace and mercy to others, knowing that we need it ourselves. This principle encourages us to be fair, compassionate, and consistent in our judgments.

Biblical Examples of Judging Others

Nathan Confronting David: Judging Sin with Wisdom

Nathan confronted David over his sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12:1-14. This example shows how a prophet of God confronted even a king with his sin, using wisdom and a parable to help David see his wrongdoing.

Paul Rebuking Peter: Accountability Among Leaders

Paul publicly confronted Peter in Galatians 2:11-14 when his actions were inconsistent with the gospel, showing that even leaders can be held accountable.

Jesus’ Church Discipline Process: Steps for Judging Sin

Jesus, in Matthew 18:15-17, provided a step-by-step process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing private confrontation before escalating to church leadership.

Evaluating False Teachers and Prophets: Discernment Based on Fruit

Jesus taught that false prophets can be recognized by their fruit in Matthew 7:15-20, encouraging believers to be discerning about those who claim to speak for God.

Discerning Good and Evil: Biblical Maturity

The author of Hebrews notes that maturity involves training ourselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14), implying a need for ongoing discernment and judgment.

See also: Bible Verses about Judging Others

Guidelines for Judging Righteously

  1. Base judgments on God’s Word, not personal opinions: Our standard should always be Scripture, not cultural norms or personal preferences.
  2. Examine your own life first and approach others with humility: Before addressing others’ faults, we should honestly evaluate our own lives and repent of our own sins.
  3. Seek to restore gently, not condemn harshly: The goal of biblical judgment is always restoration and reconciliation, not punishment or ostracism.
  4. Judge actions and teachings, not hearts or motives: We can evaluate what people do and say, but only God knows the true intentions of the heart.
  5. Extend grace and mercy, knowing you need it too: Remember that we all fall short and need God’s grace, which should inform how we treat others.
  6. Recognize the limits of human judgment – God is the ultimate Judge: We must be humble in our assessments, knowing that our understanding is limited.
  7. Make judgments carefully after gathering facts, not hastily: Avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information or hearsay.
  8. Judge out of love and concern, not pride or superiority: Our motivation should always be the well-being of others and the glory of God, not self-elevation.

Conclusion

In summary, while Christians are called to be discerning and to confront sin in the church, we must do so with humility, love, and recognition that God is the ultimate Judge. Our goal should be restoration, not condemnation. We are to judge righteously according to God’s Word while being merciful and aware of our own shortcomings.

References

  1. https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-judge.html
  2. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/judge-others-as-you-want-to-be-judged
  3. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/judge-not
  4. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/judge-not-that-you-may-judge-well
  5. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/we-are-accountable-for-what-we-know
  6. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/detrinitate/should-we-judge-each-other
  7. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/judge-people-like-jesus-did
  8. https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/is-judging-others-always-hypocritical-a-lesson-about-logs
  9. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/straight-paths/my-biggest-danger-when-judging-others
  10. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/judge-not-ultimate-mic-drop
  11. https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-17-sin-judging-others-james-411-12
  12. https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-93-why-we-should-not-judge-others-romans-145-12
  13. https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-27-judging-others-judging-self-luke-636-45
  14. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/do-not-judge
  15. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/sermons/judge-not
  16. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/god-judge
  17. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/judging-with-right-judgment
  18. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/avoiding-improper-judgments
  19. https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0009/judging-others-the-verse-pagans-love-to-quote
  20. https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0200/who-are-we-supposed-to-judge-according-to-their-fruit
  21. https://www.gty.org/library/blog/B180604/judge-everything
  22. https://www.gty.org/library/bibleqnas-library/QA0078/to-judge-or-not-to-judge
  23. https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2023/05/26/should-christians-judge-others
  24. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-questions/does-the-bible-tell-christians-to-judge-not
  25. https://answersingenesis.org/worldview/should-christians-judge
  26. https://www.compellingtruth.org/do-not-judge.html
  27. https://www.compellingtruth.org/unloving-sinning.html
  28. https://www.compellingtruth.org/Bible-false-accusations.html
  29. https://www.compellingtruth.org/judgment.html
  30. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-does-the-bible-say-word-for-word-about-judging-others
  31. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-studies/sermon-on-the-mount-late-a-d-31/do-not-judge-2
  32. https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-studies/sermon-on-the-mount-late-a-d-31/can-we-judge-others-2
  33. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2022/09/judge-not
  34. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2019/08/matthew-71
  35. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2018/07/judgment-rewards-last-judgment

Prayer for My Daughters

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with humble hearts, giving thanks for the precious gifts of our daughters. We ask that You would guide and protect them, giving them wisdom and discernment as they navigate through life. We pray that they would come to know and understand Your love for them and that they would grow in their relationship with You.

We ask that You would bless them with good health, strong relationships, and fulfilling careers. We ask that You would give them a heart for serving others and that they would be a light in this world, shining Your love and truth to all those around them.

We pray that they would find their identity in You and that they would be rooted and grounded in Your love. We ask that You would give them the courage to stand firm in their faith and to boldly proclaim Your truth in a world that often rejects it.

We pray that You would give them a love for Your Word and that they would be transformed by the renewing of their minds. We pray that You would use them in powerful ways to bring others to know You and to experience Your love and grace.

We pray that You would be their stronghold in times of trouble and that they would trust in You and lean on You always. We pray that they would experience the fullness of joy and peace that comes from walking in obedience to You.

We pray all this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Read full chapter

Psalm 127:3 ESV

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Read full chapter

1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Read full chapter

Prayer for My Daughter

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today to lift up our beloved daughter to You. We trust in Your love and grace for her, and we ask that You would guide her steps and direct her path. We pray that she would know Your presence and feel Your love surrounding her always.

We pray for wisdom and discernment as she navigates this world. We pray that she will have a heart for You and a desire to serve You with her whole being. We pray that You will keep her safe and that she will have the courage to stand firm in her faith.

We ask that You bless her relationships, both with family and with friends, and that she be surrounded by a supportive community. We pray that she will have success in her pursuits and that she will use her gifts and talents for Your glory.

We thank You for the precious gift of our daughter and for the love and joy she brings to our lives. We trust in Your plan for her and know that You are always working for her good. We trust in Your love and grace for her, and we ask that You would guide her steps and direct her path.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 27:10 ESV

For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
    but the Lord will take me in.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 49:15 ESV

Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.

Read full chapter

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Read full chapter

Colossians 3:20 ESV

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
    and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
    and pendants for your neck.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 54:13 ESV

All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
    and great shall be the peace of your children.

Read full chapter

Prayer for Men

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, lifting up the men in our lives. We pray for their strength, wisdom, and guidance as they navigate through the challenges of life.

We ask that You would grant them the courage to stand firm in their faith, even when faced with adversity. May they be filled with Your love and grace, and may they walk in the light of Your truth.

We pray for their relationships, that they may be loving husbands, fathers, sons, and friends. May they be shining examples of Your love and compassion to those around them.

We ask that You would protect them from the enemy’s attacks and keep them safe from harm. May they be strong in the face of temptation and may they be guided by Your Spirit.

We trust in Your goodness and faithfulness, and we know that You are working all things for the good of those who love You.

We give You all the glory and praise, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Read full chapter

1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Read full chapter

Psalm 91:14 ESV

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.

Read full chapter

The Blessing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today to give You all the praise and honor that You deserve. I thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life.

I ask for Your blessings on every part of my life, including my health, relationships, finances, and work. I trust in Your plan for me and ask for Your guidance and wisdom as I navigate through life’s challenges.

I pray for protection over my mind, body, and spirit. Keep me safe from harm and free from fear. Give me the strength and courage to face any obstacle that comes my way.

I ask for Your blessings on my relationships, that You would strengthen and deepen my connections with my loved ones. Bring healing and reconciliation where there is brokenness.

I pray for provision in my finances, that You would meet all of my needs and bless me with abundance. Help me to use my resources wisely and to be generous with others.

I pray for success in my work, and that You would give me the skills and opportunities to excel in my career. Help me to be a light in the workplace and to use my talents for Your glory.

Thank You for Your love and grace, Lord. I trust in Your faithfulness and know that You are always with me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Read full chapter

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 16:3 ESV

Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.

Read full chapter

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Read full chapter

Prayer of Family Protection

Heavenly Father,

I come to You today with a grateful heart and a humble spirit. I ask for Your protection over my family. I trust in Your love and faithfulness to keep us safe from harm and danger. Lord, please surround us with Your angels and guide us in Your wisdom and truth.

I pray for Your blessings on my home and relationships, so that I may love and serve others as You have called me to do. I ask for Your guidance in raising my children, that they may grow in Your grace and knowledge. Lord, I trust in Your plan for my life and know that all things work together for good for those who love You.

I pray for my community and nation, that Your peace and righteousness would reign. Lord, I ask for Your protection over my loved ones, both near and far, and for Your provision for all of my needs. I give You all the praise and honor, for You are worthy of all glory and adoration.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Psalm 91:11 ESV

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.

Read full chapter

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Read full chapter

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Read full chapter

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 54:17 ESV

    No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
    and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
    and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Read full chapter

Prayer to My Husband

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today to lift up my husband to You. I give You thanks for the gift of marriage and for the love and commitment that my husband demonstrates in our relationship. I pray that You would grant him strength and wisdom as he leads our family, and that he would have a profound understanding of Your love for him.

I ask that You would bless him in his work and protect him from harm. I pray that You would guide him in every decision he makes and grant him peace and joy in his heart. I request that You would aid him in growing in his faith and deepening his relationship with You.

I implore You to give him the courage to firmly stand in his beliefs and to be a shining light in this dark world. I pray that You would bless our marriage and that we would continue to love and support each other in all things.

This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

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1 Peter 3:1-6 ESV

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

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Ephesians 5:25-33 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

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Titus 2:3-5 ESV

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

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Proverbs 18:22 ESV

He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.

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Prayer in the New Year

Heavenly Father,

As we enter into this new year, we come before You with humble hearts, giving You all the glory, honor, and praise. We give You thanks for Your faithfulness in the past and we trust in Your goodness and mercy for the future.

We confess that we have not always been faithful to You and we ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to grow in our relationship with You and to become more like Jesus.

We ask that You would give us wisdom and guidance as we make plans for the coming year. Help us to set priorities that are in line with Your will for our lives.

We ask for Your protection and provision for our families, friends, and loved ones. We pray for peace and unity in our homes and communities.

We pray for Your Church and for the spread of the gospel. We ask that You would raise up leaders and workers to reach the lost and make disciples.

We pray for our leaders, giving them the wisdom and courage to make decisions that will benefit the common good.

We thank You for Your love and grace, and for the hope that we have in You. We trust in You, Lord, and we know that You are in control.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV

“Remember not the former things,
    nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.

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Psalm 118:24 ESV

This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

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Philippians 3:13-14 ESV

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

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James 1:17 ESV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

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Psalm 145:13 ESV

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

[The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.]

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Morning Blessing Prayer

Almighty God,

I come to You this morning in humility and gratitude. I give thanks for the gift of a new day and the opportunity to serve You in all aspects of my life.

I pray for Your guidance and wisdom as I navigate through my work and career. Help me to use my talents and abilities for Your glory and to be a blessing to those around me.

I lift up my relationships to You, asking for Your healing and reconciliation where needed. Give me the strength to forgive and to love as You love.

I also bring my physical health and well-being before You. Grant me the energy and strength to take care of my body and use it for Your purposes.

Lastly, I ask for Your protection and guidance as I go about my day. Keep me safe from harm and lead me on the path You have for me.

I trust in Your love and goodness, O Lord. I give thanks for the blessings You have already given me and for the ones yet to come.

This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suggested Bible Readings

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

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Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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