Community influences us
“Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interest.”
-Derek Jeter
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
-Oprah Winfrey
“Surround yourself with good people; surround yourself with positivity and people who are going to challenge you to make you better.”
-Ali Krieger
I can find hundreds of quotes about how important it is to have a positive community around you. This evidence is seen by both believers and unbelievers. When we read Mark 2:1-12 we see the true importance of friends. Jesus is preaching in a house and a paralyzed man’s friends love him so much that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he is able to get to Jesus to be healed. They have so much faith that he will be healed they cut a hole in the roof of the house and lower him down. The evidence of their friendship and love shines through their actions. Imagine if he had friends who weren’t willing to sacrifice their time or efforts for this man. He would not have been healed.
In 1 Corinthians 15:33 it says, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”
It is important for us to be kind and show love to all people, but not without boundaries. If we are being influenced negatively by a friend it is best to step away, but continue to pray for them. If we are truly being who God calls us to be, the “bad company” will likely not want to stick around for long without wanting to change.
God shows us in this story of the paralyzed man what true Godly friendship is. The friends wanted what was best for him and were going to do everything in their power to make it happen. I have seen such evidence of true friendship and love when I was really sick in 2020. A number of friends (and people I didn’t know) were spending their time praying for healing. People took time to take care of my family and me, both while I was in the hospital and after I returned home. Bringing meals, taking care of our kids and just loving us. It is true that the most difficult times in our lives are when we see God’s evidence the most through those who love Him. Surrounding yourself with a community that will pray with and for you, lift you toward God and His word, and love you with the love of the Lord will only help to increase your desire to grow closer to God.
Daily Reading: COMMUNITY INFLUENCES YOU
Mark 2:1–12
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