PURPOSE OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY

ENTITLEMENT

Many people today feel that they are entitled to benefits from family and friends.  While it is an important aspect to feel appreciated and afforded gifts/benefits from any relationship, it should not be the primary motive of your engagement. 

Some friendship happens automatically, and some grow with time, nurturing and even challenges.  Others are forced, demanded and or manipulated. 

However, friends must be true and loyal and serve the purpose of true friendship.  There should not be the attitude of entitlement, but rather what/how can you contribute or bring to the table.  You should identify a need rather than having them ask. Here's a word from the wise man.....

Proverbs 17:17 (TLB)

A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Here's a food for thought activity:

Think of your friend(s)/family and see how you measure up in terms of loyalty and helpfulness.  Are you always the one on the receiving end or are you the first to volunteer or offer help.  If not ask yourself, how can you be a better friend.

TODAY'S FOCUS: TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

(Read Proverbs 17) Let's extract some unpleasant characteristics that would destroy the purpose of true friendship:

Do you see any or some of the following traits in you?

 13 - Rewards evil for good
14 - Starts quarrels 
15 - Justifies the wicked and condemns the just
16 - Does not have a heart for truth
18 - Voids understanding
19 - Love to fight and boastful 
20 - Forward heart and perverse tongue
21 - Play the fool
22 - Sour and broken spirit
23 - Entertain and accept bribes to twist justice
24 - Foolish goals
25 - Rebellion and bitterness
26 - Punishes and strikes 

Using the same verses or others how can you serve the purpose of verse 17 above? Let's take a look at the following verses:

27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

Sometimes silence is the kindest thing you can do for a friend.  A listening ear instead of a critical tongue.  How do you and your spirit measure up?

Remember, true friendship is not based on the weather or benefits.  The value is placed on being an understandable and wise friend who is not seeking to manipulate or deceive but to serve purpose especially when the chips are down and adversity and or trouble strikes.  You were born to serve in adversity and not to take advantage.  Learn to defuse and avoid quarrels and fights.  Don't let a fool be counted as wise to you.  Be someone of understanding and of an excellent spirit.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel