"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up."

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

COMMUNITY.

It is one of the most important things you can do for yourself as a woman, a Christian and a human being. God created us to be in community and fellowship with one another. As women, we were created with a desire to be in relationships and to care for one another.

That is part of the beauty in being a woman. It is the gift of loving others.

So how do you find godly friends? Here are a few tips from the Bible:

1. Good Character

Who we choose to spend our time with heavily impacts and influences our character. Who do you spend most of your time with? They are the ones shaping and influencing the person you are becoming. Who are you influencing and what are you encouraging others to be? Character is a defining trait of godly friends.

"He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed."

-Proverbs 13:20

"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray."

-Proverbs 12:26

2. Speak Truth

Love is truth. Love is bold. When somebody loves you they will speak truth and life into you. And When you love someone you will speak truth to them. Choose to speak truth through love and grace.

"As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

-Proverbs 27:17

"Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed."

-Proverbs 27:5

3. Choose Love

The most defining characteristic of God is love. Love is something that lives on the inside of those of us who know God. Choose friends who love God, love others and love you. As a friend, love God and love others the way God loves us.

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

-Proverbs 17:17

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

-John 15:12

Choose friends wisely and choose to be a godly friend to those around you. Our strength as the church is grounded in our community. Let's be the strong and bold community of women we were created to be.