Good day Templar family
Follow Jesus
Theme Scripture
"My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths."
Proverbs 1:15 (ESV)
Following Jesus means choosing His way over the ways of the world. As believers, we are not called to reshape Christianity to fit the culture around us. Instead, we are called to let God's Word shape our lives. While society continually changes, God's truth remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Throughout the Bible, faithful m... moreGood day Templar family
Follow Jesus
Theme Scripture
"My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths."
Proverbs 1:15 (ESV)
Following Jesus means choosing His way over the ways of the world. As believers, we are not called to reshape Christianity to fit the culture around us. Instead, we are called to let God's Word shape our lives. While society continually changes, God's truth remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Throughout the Bible, faithful men and women stood firm in their faith despite pressure from the world. They did not dilute the message of God to gain acceptance or popularity. Jesus Himself warned that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" truly belongs to Him. Genuine faith is revealed by a life that seeks to obey and honor God.
The Christian life is one of continual repentance and spiritual growth. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin—it is a change of heart that leads to a changed life. As we surrender ourselves daily to Christ, He renews our minds through His Word and transforms us into His likeness.
The world constantly competes for our attention, but God's Word brings wisdom, peace, and direction. As you spend time in Scripture and prayer, the Holy Spirit reveals areas of your life that need to be surrendered. He gently exposes idols, unhealthy habits, and distractions that keep you from walking closely with Christ.
Today, choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Let His voice be louder than the voices of the world. Allow Him to remove anything that stands between you and a deeper relationship with Him.
Reflection
What influences in your life are drawing you away from Christ? What step can you take today to follow Him more faithfully
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to follow Jesus with my whole heart. Renew my mind through Your Word and give me the courage to resist the ways of the world. Remove every idol and distraction from my life, and shape me into the image of Your Son. May my life reflect Your truth and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
As Christians, we are to be imitators of God and have compassion for one another. Try putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. From Scripture, we see the great empathy Jesus showed for the sick, the blind, the deaf, and more. Throughout Scripture we are taught to humble ourselves and look at the interests of others.
Bear the burden of your brothers and sisters in Chr... moreGood day Templar family
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
As Christians, we are to be imitators of God and have compassion for one another. Try putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. From Scripture, we see the great empathy Jesus showed for the sick, the blind, the deaf, and more. Throughout Scripture we are taught to humble ourselves and look at the interests of others.
Bear the burden of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Always remember, there is one body of Christ, but each of us make up the many parts of it.
Love one another and be sensitive to the feelings of others.
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
Every day one of the things I always pray for is for God’s protection. I say Lord I ask for your protection over my family, friends, and for believers.
Does God promise to protect us all the time? Sometimes God allows things to happen that we don’t understand. I would like to also remind you that most of the time God protects us without us even knowing. God is the definition ... moreGood day Templar family
Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.
Every day one of the things I always pray for is for God’s protection. I say Lord I ask for your protection over my family, friends, and for believers.
Does God promise to protect us all the time? Sometimes God allows things to happen that we don’t understand. I would like to also remind you that most of the time God protects us without us even knowing. God is the definition of humility. If only that you knew. Something severe could have happened to you, but God protected you without you even seeing it coming.
God sees what we don’t see.
What father doesn’t protect their child even when their child doesn’t know any better? God protects us when we try to do our own thing. God can see what we can’t see. Picture a baby on a bed who is constantly trying to jump off. The baby can’t see, but his father can see.
He can hurt himself if he falls off so his father grabs him and blocks him from falling off. Sometimes we get disappointed when things don’t go our way and wonder God why don’t you open this door? Why didn’t that relationship last? Why did this happen to me?
God sees what we can’t see and He is going to protect us whether we like it or not. If only you knew. Sometimes we ask for things that will end up harming us if God answered. Sometimes He is going to end relationships that are going to be harmful to us and close doors that will end up bad for us. God is faithful! We must trust that He knows what He is doing.
Look what Proverbs 3:5 says. When something happens we always try to lean on our own understanding. Well maybe this happened because of this, maybe this happened because of that, maybe God doesn’t hear me, maybe God doesn’t want to bless me. No! This verse says don’t lean on your own understanding. God is saying trust in me. I love you, I have the answers, and I know what is best. Trust in Him that He is faithful, He is protecting you, and He will make a way.
We must be careful because sometimes God does protect us from our mistakes and there are many times He doesn’t protect us from our mistakes and sin.
Many people don’t realize that sin can harm us in a plethora of ways and God tells us no don’t do that for our protection. Living by the will of God will keep you protected.
In Jesus Christ we are protected. We can never lose our salvation. Glory to God!
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Every Christian is called to be a soldier in the army of God. Soldiers are called to counter evil with the overwhelming, overcoming good that flows from a heart in love with God. No matter what situation a Christian soldier is in, they must put faith in their commander and live by the Spirit. Soldiers in Christ bless everyone around them and labor to bring the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, as was the prayer of Jesus our Lord.
People without inheritance has no substance ... moreGood day Templar family
Every Christian is called to be a soldier in the army of God. Soldiers are called to counter evil with the overwhelming, overcoming good that flows from a heart in love with God. No matter what situation a Christian soldier is in, they must put faith in their commander and live by the Spirit. Soldiers in Christ bless everyone around them and labor to bring the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, as was the prayer of Jesus our Lord.
People without inheritance has no substance – and without a vision the people perish.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Gal. 5:1) Warriors are people who change the atmosphere and ignite passion in those around them. As a Soldier of Christ, your first mission is to change the atmosphere around where you live, work, and worship! You do that by blessing and obedience. Church, we are ambassadors of reconciliation who represent a merciful King who has paid the price for freedom and blessing for whosoever will – and it’s past time we be about our Father’s business! That is the good news we have been assigned to proclaim to all people. Ambassadors of reconciliation. The righteous anger of God against sin has been satisfied by the sacrifice of Jesus, and “Mercy and truth have kissed each other,” and “Mercy rejoices over judgment.” Glory to God!
As spiritual warriors, we are to fight for the freedom for all people to realize, through experience, all the blessings God intends them to inherit. Through Christ’s love, joy, and peace flowing through us, we “fight the good fight” and we push aside the devil’s attempts to sabotage their victory in Christ! We can bless every person we come in contact with! The enemy and religious spirits try to deceive us into thinking we need to be spiritual giants in order to accomplish this mission, but it has nothing to do with who we are, but instead, who He is that lives within us! “When the righteous rule, the people are at peace.” (Proverbs 29:2)
The plan of the enemy is to create and disperse misery, take away hope, and maintain a climate of despair and helplessness. We overcome evil with good! We have to position ourselves daily in Christ in order to have the power to “Open the eyes of the blind and release the prisoners so they can see and believe!” As good soldiers, we need to fight the space around us and create that clearing where Christ can be seen and known. Otherwise we will continue to live our lives selfishly, like someone with a cure for the disease of the masses who doesn’t have the love or mercy to share it. None of us has an excuse to just sit around and whine about the encroaching darkness. 1 John 4:4 tells us, “You are of God. Little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world!”God is not a liar; His Word is truth! We need to wake up and come to grips with the fact that we are no longer our own, and as soldiers, we have been given our orders!
Though we are enlisted in God’s army, there is a distinction between spiritual warriors and soldiers. The training required to be a true warrior requires great sacrifice, discipline, and faith. God is not a respecter of persons; this calling is voluntary and open to whosoever will. But a person needs to pause and count the costs – because if charged with specific, God-led special assignments, we must live a highly disciplined, selfless lifestyle along with an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying at all times. Like David’s “mighty men,” warriors are raised up to battle and hold ground in the spiritual realm. David’s men were identified by their specific strengths and callings as much as their names: the incredible swordplay of Josheb-basshebeth who killed 800 men at one time; the amazing courage of Eleazar who, after everyone else retreated, stayed and fought the enemy alone and won against the odds; Shammah, who defended a piece of ground alone and unaided against an entire troop of Philistines; Abishai, who couldn’t be overcome by 300 men and won an amazing battle with just a spear; Benaiah killed two mighty heroes of Kabzeel then went on to kill a lion! God raised up these mighty men to help fight alongside David – a man after God’s own heart. You have been raised up to do greater works, as the Bible says!
It’s exciting to know God has raised and is raising up mighty men and women, soldiers, and warriors in His army, right here in Alaska! Here in Delta and Fort Greely, and in the surrounding rural areas! And just as David’s victory over Goliath inspired previously paralyzed Israelite soldiers to charge into the fight, our victories will awaken the faith in many who have abandoned their faith long ago due to despair, unending battles, or feelings of uselessness and defeat. Do you know any precious friends or family members who fall into that category? People who at one time loved the Lord and were passionate about Jesus and His Word? But after going twelve rounds in the ring with the enemy, pummeled by all sorts of attacks and disappointments, finally “cast away their confidence” and walked away? Get ready church, because the Lord is about to restore great numbers of those ones – and many prodigal sons and daughters will be returning home to the Father’s house!
We are commanded to encourage others as well as ourselves in the Lord. The day has arrived when Christ is sifting and shaking everything that can be shaken. Do not lose heart because things aren’t always as they appear during times when you feel you’ve been thrown under the bus or judged unfairly. There is One who sits in the heavens Who sees all and nothing escapes His view. “I will repay,” says the Lord. Don’t spend your time trying to fight personal battles or trying to correct a wrong done to you. Your times are in His hands, and you want to leave them there!
Soldier, do not lose heart!
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Proverbs 27:19 “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.”
The condition of the heart is extremely important when it comes to salvation, your daily walk with the Lord, your emotions, etc. In the Bible the heart is mentioned almost 1000 times.
“There are two kinds of people one can call reasonable: those who serve God with all their heart because they know him, and those who seek him with all their heart because they do not know him.”
The heart... moreGood day Templar family
Proverbs 27:19 “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.”
The condition of the heart is extremely important when it comes to salvation, your daily walk with the Lord, your emotions, etc. In the Bible the heart is mentioned almost 1000 times.
“There are two kinds of people one can call reasonable: those who serve God with all their heart because they know him, and those who seek him with all their heart because they do not know him.”
The heart, or the inner man is a frequent topic in the Bible. It is known as the center of oneself, the very core of a person. Our heart is who we are – the REAL me inside. Our heart includes not only our personality, but our choices, feelings, decisions, intentions, motives, etc.
Our secular culture encourages us to follow after our heart, or that sometimes we need to get away to seek the truth in our hearts. However, this is not good advice because our hearts can easily deceive us. Instead of following or trusting our hearts, we should trust in the Lord and follow Him.
The Bible teaches that the heart of man is utterly wicked. Because of the fall, man’s heart is utterly depraved. There it not any goodness in our heart whatsoever. Our heart isn’t even 1% good. We are completely and utterly wicked and cannot seek God on our own. It was one sin that forced Adam from the presence of God – one sin alone is enough to damn a person to an eternity in hell. For such is the holiness of God. He is so far removed – so completely Otherly than we are – that He cannot look upon sin. Our depravity, our sin, places us at enmity against God. Because of this, we are guilty before a Just Judge.
The Bible repeatedly says that our hearts must be made pure. All our wickedness must be purged from our heart if we are to be allowed to stand before a completely Holy and Pure God. It was one sin alone that sent Adam and Eve from the presence of God. One sin alone is enough to warrant our eternal punishment in Hell because of how Holy our God is. Our Just Judge has sentenced us to an eternity in hell. Christ paid the penalty for our sin debt. It is through God’s grace alone by faith in Christ alone that we can repent of our sins and place our faith in Christ. He then cleanses us, and gives us a pure heart. One that loves Him and no longer loves the sin that held us captive.
Though we have a new heart, we are still living in a fallen world and in a body of flesh. We will struggle with the sins that easily entangle us. We are commanded to guard our heart and not be bound by the snares of sin. It isn’t that we can lose our salvation, but we can’t grow in holiness unless we guard our heart and live in obedience. This is called progressing in sanctification.
A major part of our progressive sanctification is loving God. We are commanded to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We obey Him because we love Him. The more we love Him the more we want to obey Him. It is impossible to love Him as completely as we are commanded – we are constantly guilty of this sin. How marvelous is the grace of God that it is able to cover such constant sin.
Though the love of the Lord and His salvation gives us a supernatural joy – we still can face hardships. Many believers are utterly brokenhearted and are tempted to feel hopeless. God loves His children and cares for us. We can take comfort knowing that He will never leave us, and that He is near the brokenhearted.
God knows our hearts. He knows all of our hidden sins, our darkest secrets, our deepest fears. God knows our personality, our tendencies, our habits. He knows our silent thoughts and the prayers we are too afraid to whisper. This should simultaneously cause us great fear and great hope. We should tremble and fear such a mighty and holy God who knows how utterly wicked we are and how far removed from Him we are. Also, we should rejoice and praise Him who knows our heart.
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.“
Have you ever wondered how are we able to be happy? Where does happiness come from? It is a gift from God. True happiness is only found in Jesus Christ. Nothing gives you an everlasting joy and happiness like Jesus Christ. Many people try to substitute Christ for other things to make them happy such as sin, works, ice-cream, hobbies, possessions, and more, but this joy only ... moreGood day Templar family
Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.“
Have you ever wondered how are we able to be happy? Where does happiness come from? It is a gift from God. True happiness is only found in Jesus Christ. Nothing gives you an everlasting joy and happiness like Jesus Christ. Many people try to substitute Christ for other things to make them happy such as sin, works, ice-cream, hobbies, possessions, and more, but this joy only lasts for a moment.
Then, you will go back feeling more miserable when you are done and when you are alone. We were not made to live without Christ. We need Christ and all we have is Christ. If you want happiness and joy you must trust and rest upon Him.
Benefits of being happy
Happiness helps you to keep your mind on the Lord.
Being happy improves your health. Happiness protects your heart and strengthens your immune system.
Happiness helps you to interact with others and make more friends.
Happiness helps you to stay focused.
Happiness helps every situation such as marriage, parenthood, work, stress, trials, etc.
It is contagious
Happiness leads to giving more to the poor and needy.
Being happy makes you more content.
Happiness boosts your productivity.
Happiness is a gift from the Lord.
When you are happy what do you do? Every single time that I’m happy I give God praise because I know it is only possible because of Him. Always give God glory for every piece of happiness and give Him the glory when you are feeling down. God will refuel your joy.
Have a blessed 4th of July
MC Louis Steyn
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Proverbs 12:18 “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Listening is a very important concept in the Bible. We are commanded to listen to God’s instructions. The Bible also teaches us to love others – and listening to them is a way that we communicate love.
Repeatedly in Scripture we see commands to listen. Far too often we get preoccupied with our lives and our stressors and we fail to see what God is trying to tea... moreGood day Templar family
Proverbs 12:18 “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Listening is a very important concept in the Bible. We are commanded to listen to God’s instructions. The Bible also teaches us to love others – and listening to them is a way that we communicate love.
Repeatedly in Scripture we see commands to listen. Far too often we get preoccupied with our lives and our stressors and we fail to see what God is trying to teach us.
By listening to others, we show them our love. This is vital for counselors and laypeople. People will come to us seeking advice – and we must be sure to listen to them. Let them pour their heart out. Learn to ask probing questions to get to the root of the issue.
If we just start rattling off a long list of things for them to do – they will not know that we love them. But if we take the time to let them share their heart, they will know we care. And if they know we care, we will have an opportunity to speak truth into their lives.
There are numerous verses in Scripture that teach us to listen to others. We listen to others because God listens to us out of His love for us. By being a good listener, we are becoming more Christ-like. We should also learn to listen to those whom God has placed in our authority, whether it is our parents or our pastors.
In ministry, we must be good listeners but we must also urge others to listen to what we have to say. Faith only comes by hearing the Word of God. It is only by the truth revealed in Scripture that people are changed. This must be the focus in all our ministry efforts.
God still speaks through the Holy Spirit. The question is, are we listening? Do we desire to hear His voice over our own voice? Most of us are moving 100 miles per hour throughout the day, but are we willing to stop everything to get alone with Him to listen to Him?
Allow God to speak life into your soul and always remember that His voice will never contradict His Word. God speaks in multiple ways. He can speak in prayer. He can speak through others. Also, let’s remember to stay in the Word because He has spoken. We must listen to what He has said in the Bible. He has revealed everything to us that we need to live a life of godliness. The Bible is completely sufficient for all our needs.
God loves His children – and as a caring Father, He listens to us when we pray to Him. Not only do we have that promise, but we can see over and over where God desires for us to talk to Him. This is extraordinary – God doesn’t NEED our companionship. He isn’t lonely.
God, who is so perfect and so holy: so completely otherly in who He is and what He is has said that He wants us to talk to Him. We are nothing but a speck of dust. We can’t begin to formulate the words of praise that He so deserves that He so requires due to His holiness – yet He said He wants to listen to us because He loves us.
Let us pray to God to be more transformed into the image of Christ, His Son in all aspects of who we are. Let us pour into the Word so that we might be listeners of the Word, and be transformed by the Holy Spirit so that we can be obedient to His commands.
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Proverbs 3:6 (ESV) – “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Are you feeling a bit lost and unsure about which way to turn in life? I’ve been there, and it’s tough when you feel stuck. But here’s something that’s helped me: inviting God into the journey.
When I open my heart to Him, it’s like a weight lifts. Try this, grab your Bible, pray, and just start reading. Ask God to guide you, to show you the path He’s got for you.
It’s no... moreGood day Templar family
Proverbs 3:6 (ESV) – “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Are you feeling a bit lost and unsure about which way to turn in life? I’ve been there, and it’s tough when you feel stuck. But here’s something that’s helped me: inviting God into the journey.
When I open my heart to Him, it’s like a weight lifts. Try this, grab your Bible, pray, and just start reading. Ask God to guide you, to show you the path He’s got for you.
It’s not always easy to set aside what I want, because let’s be real, my desires can sometimes blur what’s true. But when I lean into His Word and listen in prayer, I find clarity and wisdom I didn’t expect. If you’re saying you want God’s guidance but your Bible’s gathering dust, it’s time to crack it open. He often speaks through those pages.
God is always moving and He is always directing His children. The question is, are you aware of His guidance? Are you willing to submit to His will over your will? Are you in His Word and allowing Him to speak to you in His Word?
The Holy Spirit will guide you in the right direction when you submit to Him. Are you praying for the Lord to direct you? I encourage you to pray and wait on the Lord. I also encourage you to seek the help of the wise such as parents, pastors, wise trustworthy friends, etc.
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
What do you think about when you hear the word “character?” Character is our distinctive and individual mental and moral qualities. We express our character through how we treat other people and through our integrity, disposition, and moral fiber. We all have negative and positive character traits, and obviousl... moreGood day Templar family
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
What do you think about when you hear the word “character?” Character is our distinctive and individual mental and moral qualities. We express our character through how we treat other people and through our integrity, disposition, and moral fiber. We all have negative and positive character traits, and obviously, we want to cultivate positive character and subdue negative traits
Christian character reflects our relationship with Christ. We learn and build Christian character as we grow closer to God and follow His directives. We still have our individual personalities, but they develop into a godly version – a better version of ourselves – the person God created us to be. We grow in Christian character as we walk with God, dive into His Word, and spend time with Him in prayer. Christian character should display Christ to those around us – we are His emissaries of grace!
We have to be intentional about developing Christian character. Every day we make choices that will either grow our Christian character or send it into a slump. Our life circumstances are where God builds character, but we have to cooperate with Him in the effort. We are often confronted with issues and situations that tempt us to act out in ways that are the opposite of Christian character – we might want to fight back, get even, use foul language, get angry, and so on. We have to make the conscience choice to respond in a Christlike way.
We can understand the character of God through what He says about Himself and by observing His actions.
Perhaps the most mind-blowing aspect of God’s character is His love. God is love (1 John 4:8). Nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39) Our goal as believers is “to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that we are filled to all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19) God’s love for us is so great that He sacrificed His own Son Jesus so we could be reunited in relationship with Him and have eternal life (John 3:16).
We want to develop godly character because we love God and want to please Him and be more like Him. We want to honor Him and glorify Him with our lives.
Developing a godly character means making the right choices. When we are intentional about Christ-like actions, words, and thoughts throughout the day, we grow in integrity and reflect Christ more consistently. This means responding to adverse situations, hurtful comments, disappointments, and challenges in God’s way rather than following our human nature. This helps us to discipline ourselves for godliness, which becomes instilled in our habits and actions.,
A valuable key to developing godly character is a consistent devotional life. This means being in God’s Word daily and meditating on what it’s saying and how that should play out in our lives. It means taking our challenges, negative situations, and hurts to God and asking for His help and divine wisdom. It means being tender to His Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. It means repenting and confessing our sins when we mess up and getting back on track.
Your character is displayed through your actions, words, thoughts, desires, mood, and attitude. Even committed Christians with excellent character have a few isolated moments where they slip up and react to a situation in a less than optimal way. When that happens, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Proverbs 18:24 “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.”
If we are honest, we all desire true friendship. Not only were we made for relationship, we also deeply desire relationships. We desire to connect and share with others. We all long for community.
Relationships are one of God’s greatest blessings and we should be praying for deeper relationships with others.
However, sometimes the people in our circles shouldn’t b... moreGood day Templar family
Proverbs 18:24 “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.”
If we are honest, we all desire true friendship. Not only were we made for relationship, we also deeply desire relationships. We desire to connect and share with others. We all long for community.
Relationships are one of God’s greatest blessings and we should be praying for deeper relationships with others.
However, sometimes the people in our circles shouldn’t be in our circles.
Fake friendships are hurtful and harm us more than help us. If someone habitually puts you down in front of others after you have pointed out how they are hurting you, then that is a fake friend. If someone is constantly talking about you behind your back, then that is a fake a friend.
There are several ways to identify false friends in our lives who are only bringing us down. Beware of people like this in your life. This doesn’t mean that if we have a misunderstanding with someone, then they are fake.
However, this means that if someone who says that they are your friend is constantly hurting you after multiple warnings, then the question should be asked, are they truly your friends? Do they truly care about you?
There are several differences between fake and real friends. A real friend will not speak negatively about you when you are not around. A real friend will not end the relationship because of disagreements or because you told them no.
Real friends listen to you, fake friends don’t. Real friends accept you and your quirks, fake friends want you to change your personality to match theirs.
Real friends treat you the same whether y’all are alone together or whether you are around others.
Fake friends will give you bad advice so that you fail. Unfortunately, this happens in a lot of friendships and it usually stems from jealousy. Fake friends always seem to want something from you. It could be money, a ride, etc. Real friends love you, not what you have. There are several ways to spot a fake. If you suspect someone is bringing you down or hurting you, try bringing your concerns to them.
One of the best ways to love your friends is to pray for them. Encourage them to pray and remember them in your prayers. Lift them up to God. Sometimes we don’t know what our friends are going through, so I encourage you to pray for them. Never doubt the power of intercessory prayer. If we knew, we would be astonished by the amount of people that God has blessed through our prayer lives.
Have a blessed day
MC Louis Steyn
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
