Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Peter had promised never to deny Jesus, but when it became critical, he run away from Jesus at the time of His arrest, and later denied Him three times. Jesus knew the heart of Peter. I believe He was therefore not surprised when Peter abandoned Him. Jesus loved Peter, and even selected him as an apostle, but He was not oblivious of his weaknesses, and did in fact pray for him.
Proverbs 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
This character trait of Peter as being hypocritical carried on to the time when Paul rebuked him - But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter would not eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. Galatians 2:11-13
Peter was saved, but he was still work in progress. As Christians, there are certain friends that we must altogether avoid because they can corrupt our good manners. But on the other hand, there are some others that we must condone by acknowledging their weaknesses, and praying for them as well as honestly correcting them.. We must be discerning with friendships, or else they could ruin our hearts and lives. As you continue in your life's purpose, you must endeavour to keep friends of good quality who will stick by you at all times. It is not the number of friends that you have that matters, but their value.
Sour friendships can affect even your relationship with God, so do guard your heart well, and be discerning. See people for who they really are. Just like Paul, do not be a hypocrite. Speak up for the truth. On the contrary, should you find yourself in Peter's shoes, do not be afraid of what men can do to you. Fear only God, and do His bidding.
Proverbs 17;17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
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