God said “It is not good for man to be alone!”
Genesis 2:18
TYPES OF FRIENDSHIPS
(MY BEST FRIENDS SHOULD BRING OUT THE BEST IN ME)
• Casual Friends can be the result of
my circumstances.
• But Close Friends should be the result of
my choices.
Fact: The closer I am to a person, the greater they influence my life.
So, I need to CHOOSE my closest friends wisely.
“A righteous person is cautious in friendship, (because) the ways of evil people can lead them to do wrong.” Proverbs 12:26 (NIV)
WHO NOT TO CHOOSE AS A CLOSE FRIEND
God says some people you should avoid: (a partial list)
1. Avoid people who
like to argue.
“Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them.” Proverbs 20:3 (TEV)
2. Avoid people who
gossip (telling people who are not part of the problem or the solution).
“Stay away from gossips- they can’t keep a secret and they tell everything.” Proverbs 20:19 (CEV)
3. Avoid people who
flatter others (saying something to their face that you wouldn't say behind their back) .
“Flattery is a trap; evil people get caught in it, but good people avoid it and are free.” Proverbs 29:5
4. Avoid people who
can't control their temper (hurt people hurt people).
“Don’t make friends with a hot-tempered person. Don’t associate with anyone easily angered, or you’ll learn to be like them and not able to change.”Proverbs 22:24-25
5. Avoid people who
steal, shoplift, or other break laws.
Proverbs 1:13-15
6. Avoid people who
sin sexually.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR CORE FRIENDS
1. Choose friends who
encourage (to put courage in) me spiritually.
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonian 5:11
2. Choose friends who
consistently support me emotionally.
“A friend loves you ALL the time, like a brother born to help in trouble.” Proverbs 17:17
3. Choose friends who
challenge me to be wise.
“If you keep company with wise friends, you’ll become wise. But if you make friends with foolish people, your life will fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20
FACTORS FOR FORMING FRIENDSHIPS
( WORK AT BEING A GREAT FRIEND TO ATTRACT GREAT FRIENDS)
1. BE CHEERFUL:
greet people with a smile.
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart.” Proverbs 15:30 (NLT)
“The Lord is pleased with friendly words.” Proverbs 15:26 (TEV)
2. BE COMFORTABLE:
relax and be yourself.
Jesus: “The second greatest command is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself!” Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
“We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes.” 2 Corinthians 4:2 (Mes)
3. BE CONVERSATIONAL:
by asking questions.
The secret in making friends is to be interested instead of being interesting.
“Don't just think about your own affairs, but BE INTERESTED in others and in what they are doing.” Philippians 2:4 (LB)
4. BE CONSIDERATE:
listen well and empathize (hurting with others).
If you are a good listener, you will never lack for friends. Listening = Loving.
“Let everyone be QUICK TO LISTEN and slow to speak . . .“ James 1:19
“Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15
5. BE CONSISTENT:
stick with them in tough times.
“There are ‘friends’ who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (LB)
“A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14 (NIV)
6. BE CONFIDENTIAL:
Don't gossip about them.
“. . . a true friend will keep a secret.” Proverbs 11:13 (CEV)
“No one who gossips can be trusted . . . but you can put your confidence in someone who is trustworthy.” Proverbs 11:13 (TEV)
7. BE CANDID:
Always tell the truth, but don't be hurtful.
“An honest answer is a sign of true friendship.” Proverbs 24:26 (TEV)
8. BE CHRISTLIKE:
love people unconditionally.
“Accept each other, just as Christ accepted you.” Romans 15:7
