Healthy Relationships/Friendships

Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Having friends is a blessing in life. There are different kinds of friendships people form; school, work, close, and best friends.

However, some people find it hard to make friends. This may be caused by some thinking they are too good to make friends with others. Others are waiting for people to be friendly to them. It is common today to hear people from schools, churches, and in the work place say, “They are not friendly.”

Notice what the Bible says, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:”

A person that has a friend must be a friend to them.

    ~ Here are a few ways to be a Friend ~

1.    Demonstrate  True Forgiveness

Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

2.    Be Open and Truthful

When a need arises, approaching your friend with the truth may be difficult, but it is better than not saying anything at all.

Proverbs 27:5-6 “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Vs 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

3.    Give Biblical advice in a Loving Manner

It is a good thing to give good counsel from God’s Word, but it is better when it is done in a loving tone and a timely manner. “…speaking the truth in love…”

Proverbs 27:9 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.”

4.    Trust your Friend

At times people will try to break up good friendships, marriages, and the unity of a Church by gossip, etc.

Proverbs 16:28 “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

5.    Stand by your Friend in the Tough Times

A good, faithful friend loves in good times and bad times; they will not leave them for dead.

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

6.    Be an Encourager

Friends are to be encouraging one another when they are discouraged. “For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:10

  A true friend will build others up, and not tear them down.  They will help them grow closer to Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

7.    Introduce your Friend to the Greatest Friend

If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior & Friend, then the best thing that you can do for your friends is to introduce them to Jesus.

Mark 5:19 (Jesus Said) “…Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

C Haddad