BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF FRIENDSHIP
Friendship is a gift that should be valued and treasured. It seem to be a scarce commodity today - FRIENDS are people who treat you like.....
Family and appreciate your friendship
Respects you/your decisions
Integrity is one of their strengths and wouldn't sabotage you or your image
Empathetic in your circumstances
Never judges or speak negatively of you, your home and relationship
Dedicated to the friendship and demands nothing from you and are very
Sincere to the finish
There are many examples of friendship in the bible that reflects value and demonstrate the above acronym:
Ruth and Naomi - Ruth 1:16-17
David and Jonathan - 1 Samuel 18: 1-3
Job and his friends - Job 2:11
Elijah and Elisha - 2 Kings 2:2
Although there were many struggles with the friendships above, the loyalty, love and forgiveness were demonstrated and strengthened the friendship.
Do you have any loyal friends? (List them)
Can you relate to any of the friendships above?
If so which one are you?
TODAY'S FOCUS: THE GOLDEN RULE
Most people complain about their friend/friendship, however, the golden rule is not always applied. Let's take a look at it in Luke 6: 31 (KJV)
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
What are some of the experiences that you have had with your friends?
What are the challenges faced with your friendships?
What do you contribute to your friendships?
Are you part of the Challenge?
Many complain about their friends and what they have done to them. However, what should be considered most importantly is that you are a genuine friend.
Review the following scriptures and let's discuss - How should friends be treated?
Romans 12: 10
Ephesians 4: 29-32
Colossians 3: 12-14
Here's some even greater news - Your greatest friend is God!
How is your relationship with Him?
Are you loyal and faithful to Him?
Take a look at the following scripture and see how you measure up.
James 4:8 (KJV)
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Spending time with your friends are also precious. It's important to make good memories. It doesn't have to be at church or at the office, but take time to cultivate, nurture and HAVE FUN! Don't be too heavenly minded and not of any earthly good. As you think on becoming a better and more sincere friend, here are some quotes to think on:
C.S. Lewis Friendship Quotes
“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”
“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.”
Remember, Your greatest friend is the Lord. Friends are people who will walk and talk with you daily, but yet know when you need space and quiet times. They will invest in you with their time and resources and will not talk about it. Like Jesus even when you don't hear from them you know they love you and are thinking about you. Genuine friendship is a gift - Treasure it!
God Bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel
Genuine friends understand the difference of a crisis and when you need to vent- Understand when your season has changed and is patient with you. Will not compare where you been to where you are now or where you are going. Just rides with you through the process and appreciates and love you when your house is clean or tidy, dishes unwashed or you don't want to do your hair, nails or wear makeup and would not discuss your situation with others. THEY SIMPLY LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU! Lord help me to be the kind of friend to my friends that I want them to be to me - Embrace the moments!
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