In this sermon from Proverbs 18:24 ; 22:24 –25; 27:17 and John 15:9–17, Ruth Smith explores the question “What does God have to do with my relationships?” She reminds us that we are created by a relational God/Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and that our need for relationships reflects His image in us. Focusing particularly on friendship, Ruth shows from Scripture that true friendship is marked by love, reliability, honesty, and sacrifice. Jesus calls His followers friends and models the deepest form of love: laying down His life for others (John 15:13 –15). Drawing wisdom from Proverbs, Ruth warns about the influence of the people we spend time with and urges us to choose friends who help us grow in faith and godliness. She also highlights the importance of boundaries, mutual care, and making space for new friendships that reflect God’s love and mission in the world.

5 Questions to Think About:

1. How does God’s relational nature (Father, Son, and Spirit) shape your understanding of why relationships matter?


2. What kind of friend are you — one who sharpens others in faith, or one who tends to pull others away (Proverbs 27:17 )?


3. How do Jesus’ words in John 15:13 –15 challenge you to love your friends more sacrificially?


4. Are your closest friendships helping you become more like Jesus or drawing you further from Him?


5. What practical steps can you take to build new, healthy, and Christ-centred friendships in this season of life?

3 Things to Take Away from the Message:

1. Friendship is rooted in love — True friendship reflects God’s love and calls us to care, sacrifice, and honesty (John 15:12 –15).


2. Friends shape who we become — Proverbs teaches that we must choose friends wisely, as their influence can lead us closer to or further from God (Proverbs 22:24 –25; 27:17 ).


3. Boundaries and balance matter — Healthy relationships include mutual support, space for rest, and openness to new friendships that extend God’s love to others.