So far in our lives, we have been looking for people to connect with(friends). But are we looking into the right places? What type of company of friends do u keep outside? These are some questions you might want to ponder and reflect on. But remember, friendships are the best investments in our life.

Here is another question to ask yourself. How do we enjoy a true and meaningful friendship? The answer is short and simple. Be a good friend yourself.

Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Here are three attitudes that true friends will have:-

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity"

Characteristics of LOYALTY:-

a.Help in time of need

Your presence speaks volume

b.Honest in correction

Proverbs 27:5-6 "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

A good friend will correct you and you're in the wrong. But, truthfulness without tenderness is cold. Remeber to always correct in love.

Ephesians 4:15 "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

c.Protect when attacked

Ecclesiastes 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

When you get attacked(phsically or verbally), a friend who comes to your rescue or protects you is a friend indeed.

But there are also characteristics of DISLOYALTY:-

a.Betrayal

It is the worst form of any kind of friend-related struggle one can face in one's life.

Psalms 41:9 "Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."

Psalms 55:12-14 "If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself,my companion, my close friend, with whom i once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God."

b.Misuse of tongue

If you have a friend that verbally tears you down, or if you know of someone that does that to anyone else, that someone is not a friend at all. Making fun of someone isn't a funny thing to do to a stranger let alone a brother/sister/close friend.

Proverbs 16:28 "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."

Proverbs 17:9 "He who covers ove and offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."

Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."

Amos 3:3 "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"

1 Samuel 18:1 "After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself."

No, no. They weren't homosexuals. They were so closely bonded and knitted because they had one common interest and passion. Their passion was God. Therefore, the quality of your friendship is related to the quality of your common interests(you & your friend).

Types of company:-

Proverbs 12:26 "A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffer harm.

Proverbs 22:24-25 "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared."

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

We will be influenced by the company of friends that we keep. Decide for your company, the vision, values and purposes so that you will not fall into the wrong company of friends.

Why are there so many problems in families? Basically, its just because that used-to-have basic-friendship among the family members is no longer there. So, NO basic friendship = NO

1 Samuel 18:4 "Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt."

If you do what is good for your friend, God will certainly recognise ur effort and heart and will bless you with a strong friendship.God will empower you and use you by His love to keep and strengthen your friendships and relationships. He first gave us so much. So now its our turn.

P.S. Daniel here. Please do post ur sharings on what God spoke to u during sermon or if u hav any testimonies on ur friendships/realtionships. Remember one of the attitude this yr is Always Be Thankful! And we wan to giv thanks for ur testimonies and sharings! Praise the Lord! :D

Loving our neighbour ♥ @ | 8:20 PM