THE MAIN THEME: WHO DO I GO WITH?  

TITLE: DECODING FRIENDLY FOES

The bible verse for today’s devotional is: Proverbs 27:6 (NIV)

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Devotional:
 Not everyone who smiles at you or offers a helping hand is genuinely on your side. Some people appear to be friends but secretly harbor intentions that can harm or mislead you. Friendly foes—individuals who disguise ill intentions under the pretense of friendship—can often be the most dangerous, as they gain your trust before causing harm. Learning to discern between true friends and friendly foes is critical for navigating relationships and making wise choices about who to journey through life with.

Take Judas Iscariot, for instance. He was one of Jesus’ disciples, someone trusted with the group’s finances and privy to Christ's teachings. Yet, his greed and deceit led him to betray Jesus with a kiss—a seemingly friendly act that had devastating consequences. This story reminds us that actions don’t always reflect intentions, and discernment is key to identifying who truly has our best interests at heart.

True friends encourage, uplift, and correct you with love, even when uncomfortable. Friendly foes, however, may flatter you, manipulate situations, or secretly compete with you. Asking for God’s wisdom and observing people’s actions over time can help you decode who genuinely supports you and might be a "friendly foe."

Here are a few reflective questions:

1. Are there relationships in my life that feel more draining than uplifting?
2. How can I develop discernment to identify true friends versus friendly foes?
3. What boundaries can I set to protect my peace and purpose?

Let us pray:
Lord, give me the wisdom to discern between true friends and those who mean harm. Help me build relationships that honor You and remove any influences that hinder my growth and purpose. Guide me to walk with those who genuinely support and uplift me. Amen.

Please say these words of affirmation after me. Say them, mean them, own them and live them:

• I choose to surround myself with genuine, supportive relationships.
• With God’s wisdom, I discern between true friends and those who disguise ill intentions.
• I walk confidently with people who uplift and inspire me.

Do have a fulfilling day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow!

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