RSF

Topic: Discerning Counterfeit Relationships

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14, Proverbs 27:6

Proverbs 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"

This part tells us that it’s not all friends that are true friends, because some friends are just there to destroy.
A true friend may correct you, even if it hurts your feelings, but they do it because they want you to be better. An enemy, on the other hand, may speak sweet words and act nice, but inside they have bad intentions. So, not everyone who smiles with you truly cares about you.
👉 Examples in the Bible:
Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus Christ, but that kiss was a betrayal.
Job had friends who spoke to him, but instead of helping, they accused him wrongly.

2 Corinthians 6:14: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

This means believers should be careful about close relationships, like friendship, marriage, or partnerships, with people who don’t share the same faith. It doesn’t mean you should hate or avoid people, but you should not let them influence you to do wrong or leave your faith.
👉 Examples in the Bible:
Samson was led into trouble because of Delilah.

Solomon turned away from God because of foreign wives who didn’t believe.

In conclusion;
Stay close to people who help you grow in the right way, not those who pull you away from God.

*Building up yourself as a female spiritually, financially, maritally and emotionally.*

Building yourself up in these areas takes intention and effort, but it's worth it.
As a female Christian you should know that growth is one thing God treasures the most. He gave us a typical example of the kind of woman he wants us to grow into, the proverbs 31 woman. As a female if you say you are the weaker s*x so you should just stay weak ha! you have just misinterpreted the meaning of being a weaker s*x. That phrase is only talking about females not being made in the faction of men with so much strength but it's not a call to be useless. As females there is a level of expectations from you by God and the society. Nobody was born useless that's why every female must wake up to the call of growth and excellence.

Let's do a quick rundown of growth in the following areas.

🎊Spiritual Growth:-you are expected to have a spiritual life and we can cultivate that via the following ways.

(A)Prayer and meditation: Connect with God daily through prayers and meditation.cultivate spiritual intimacy with God.(Matthew 6:6)

🎊(B)Bible study*: Feed your spirit with God's word Attend bible study regularly (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

(C) Godly Circle: Surround yourself with supportive believers,let believers be your friends, people who are heaven conscious (Hebrews 10:24-25)

🥂*Financial Growth.Financial stability is a key factor in the life of a female.pay attention to your financial growth, don't plan your future base on someone's pocket

Get a job or learn a trade.Build your career.

- *Budgeting*: Manage your finances wisely (Proverbs 21:5)
- *Saving*: Plan for the future.save for the rainy day (Proverbs 6:6-8)
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🎊Giving*: Trust God with your resources.be charitable (Malachi 3:10)

*Marital Growth*
Don't just go into marriage without preparing for it, mentally, emotionally and financially.love isn't enough so you must grow above your emotions to be able to stay married.

*Communication*learn how to communicate properly,Nurture a healthy relationship (Ephesians 5:33)
- *practice Respect and love* Build a strong partnership, have the spirit of sportsmanship,be a team player (Proverbs 31:10-12)
- *Support*: Encourage each other's growth,be a woman of purpose,set goals and work towards achieving them.(Genesis 2:24)

Emotional Growth
- *Self-care*: Take care of your body and mind.this is very important, take care of yourself for yourself.(1 Thessalonians 5:23)
- *Emotional intelligence*: you must be emotionally intelligent to handle your emotions, that of your husband and your kids.Recognize and manage your emotions properly (Proverbs 15:1)
- *practice Forgiveness: Let go of grudges (Ephesians 4:32)
- let love overrule your ❤️ .
Growth is a very essential part of life, don't joke with your growth as a female,be intentional with your life and know that it's the will of God that you should prosper because God is interested in your prosperity. A grown woman is the desire of every man and family.

I pray that this piece helps us to build a stronger and better woman in us.
Shallom 🙏🤍

OBEDIENCE OVER CONVENIENCE; 1Samuel 15:22, Luke 5:4-6
Obedience is the act of dutifully complying with the instructions, command, or rules of an authority figure, such as a parent, teacher, law, or God.
What is obedience in the Bible?: In Christianity, obedience is often equated with faithfulness. To be obedient means listening attentively to Devine instructions and responding positively out of reverence of our Creator. In our lives, we are called to obey God's word and His leading, even when it seems difficult or inconvenient. This obedience is an expression of our faith and trust in God. It is a response to His love and grace, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours. Many times, obeying God is not difficult because we do not understand Him. It is difficult because obedience is often inconvenient. Convenience is what is easy and comfortable, while obedience means doing what God says even when it is not easy. God is not always looking for what is convenient for us; He is looking for a heart that obeys.

Practical Examples: Forgiving when it hurts, saying no to sin, obeying God when friends do not understand, and choosing truth over lies are all examples of obedience over convenience. Obedience may cost comfort, but disobedience costs destiny. God is not asking us to understand everything; He is asking us to trust Him enough to obey. Obedience may be uncomfortable today, but it will produce testimonies tomorrow.

Key Examples of Obedience in the Bible:
Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joshua & Caleb, Daniel and Friends, King Hezekiah, Paul, Joseph, Elijah, Mary (the mother of Jesus), JESUS CHRIST! Jesus displayed ultimate obedience by submitting to the Father's will on the cross. Yes, these people faced personal risk or pressure but still chose to follow God's commands! And the results?
Protection, Blessings, testimonies, and the fulfillment of God's purpose

Choose obedience over convenience, because God’s way is always better.