Episode Details

The people you surround yourself with shape your faith more than you might realize—Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that godly friendships sharpen, strengthen, and grow us spiritually. We were created for connection, but not all relationships are equal. Some leave us feeling empty, while others challenge us, encourage us, and draw us closer to God. The difference often comes down to whether those friendships are rooted in Christ.

Healthy, faith-filled friendships don’t just happen by accident—they’re formed when we seek God first and intentionally pursue relationships that reflect His love and truth. When we walk alongside others who are also growing in their faith, something powerful happens: we begin to reflect Christ more clearly, carry each other’s burdens, and stay anchored when life gets difficult. These are the kinds of friendships that don’t just fill time—they transform lives.

Highlights

• The people around you influence your spiritual growth
• Not all friendships are life-giving or faith-building
• God designed us for meaningful, Christ-centered community
• Seeking God first leads to healthier relationships
• Faith-filled friendships provide encouragement and accountability
• True friends help carry burdens and point you back to Christ
• You’re called not just to find good friends—but to be one

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Full Transcript Below:

Friendships That Fan the Flame of Your Faith

By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading:

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NLT) 

There was a long shadow-of-a-season in my life that I stepped out of with very few friends. It was a dark and lonely stretch. A time that I truly and desperately needed people. But because of who I had chosen to surround myself with, I didn’t find the companionship, the support, and the sincere love of genuine friendship. And I can’t blame anyone but myself. I wasn’t seeking out the right people. I also didn’t find a friend in Jesus. Not that he wasn’t there—he absolutely always was—But I didn’t call on or cling to him. Instead, I was hanging out with and onto flimsy, empty relationships connected solely by shallow interests. People who didn’t bring much beyond meaningless moments and fleeting, artificial fun. I look back, sorry and sad for that girl. 

Has that ever been you? Have you found yourself regularly surrounded by people you aren’t sure you should cal