Title: “Choose Your Circle: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences for Spiritual Growth” Scripture Reading: Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Message: In life, the company we keep plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and actions. As believers, it’s essential to carefully select our inner circle, surrounding ourselves with individuals who uplift, encourage, and inspire us in our faith journey. In this powerful devotional, titled “Choose Your Circle,” let’s explore the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences that foster spiritual growth and maturity. Reflection: Reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs 13:20, which highlights the impact of our associations on our lives. Our companions influence our choices, attitudes, and character. By surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals, we position ourselves for growth, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. Conversely, aligning with those who lack discernment and godly values can lead to harm and hinder our spiritual progress. Consider the people you spend the most time with—your inner circle. Do they encourage and support your walk with God, or do they distract and detract from it? While it’s essential to show love and compassion to all, our closest companions should share our values and commitment to following Christ. Choose friends and mentors who challenge you to grow spiritually, pray for you, and hold you accountable in your faith journey. Surrounding yourself with positive influences doesn’t mean surrounding yourself with perfect people. We all have flaws and shortcomings, but it’s the direction of our hearts and the influence of our lives that matter most. Look for individuals who exhibit fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Their example will inspire and encourage you to cultivate these qualities in your own life. The company you keep not only influences your spiritual growth but also impacts your witness and effectiveness in sharing the Gospel. As you choose your circle wisely, you create opportunities for mutual edification and Kingdom advancement. Together, you can spur one another on toward love and good deeds, encouraging each other to live out your faith boldly and authentically (Hebrews 10:24-25). Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of community and fellowship with other believers. Help us to choose our inner circle wisely, surrounding ourselves with positive influences that nurture our spiritual growth and maturity. Give us discernment to recognize those who align with your Word and values, and grant us the courage to invest in relationships that honor and glorify you. May our circle be a source of encouragement, accountability, and mutual edification as we walk together in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen. Further Reading: Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”May this devotional on “Choose Your Circle” empower you to intentionally surround yourself with positive influences that foster spiritual growth and maturity. As you invest in godly relationships, may you be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to walk closely with the Lord and fulfill His purposes for your life.