~~ Are you a Faithful Friend? ~~

[Yiskah Perez]

As far back as creation, God declared that "it is not good for man to be alone." (Gen. 2:18), We were created for relationship with the Lord and each other. Although the rugged individualist has been promoted as an American hero, such self-sufficiency leads to relational poverty. Scripture offers insightful glimpses into the benefits of having a faithful friend in a time of need.

-Examples of Rich Friendships:

*Despite threats by his own father-King Saul- jonathan remained a loyal friend to David. (1 Sam. 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20:1-42).

*Nathan was willing to deliver a difficult reproof to david when he needed correction (2 Sam. 12:1-13).

*Daniel and his three friends came together in a time of danger to see God's deliverance (Dan. 2:12-19).

*the paralytic's friends carried him and persevered in bringing him to Jesus for help (Luke 5:17-20).

*Paul's friends sought to protect him from harm and cared for him when he was imprisoned (Acts 19:31; 24:23; 27:3).

Because the church has been called to interdependence, being a friend in the time of a person's need is exactly what Christians are commanded to do.

Consider the similarities between these Old Testament descriptions of a faithful friend and the New Testament's instructions for believers.

Characteristics of a Good Friend:

*loves as all times (Prov. 17:17; 1 Cor. 13:4-8)

*sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24; Eph. 4:1-3)

*shows compassion in times of suffering (Ps. 35:13-14; Rom. 12:15)

*does not slander or tear down but speaks gracious words that edify (Ps. 15:3; Eph. 4:29)

*Shows kindness that encourages faithfulness to God (Job 6:14; Col. 3:12-14)

*Intercedes in prayer (Job 42:10; Eph. 6:18)

*can be trusted, even when speaking hard truths (Prov. 27:6; Gal. 6:1-2)

~Becoming a faithful friend involves making others a top priority. What activities compete for your time and hinder you from being a friend to someone in need?

-this was taken from a bible study sent to me by a dear friend. I know not the author.

[His_Will]

It's up to the individual who they shall fellowship with. Friends have an impact and influence on each other. I have found that those you associate with can either pull you up or down in your spiritual walk. Sometimes we have to take inventory. Our first priority being our relationship with YHVH sometimes we have to realize when we are going in different directions than others and if it be a clash of wills then so be it.


Rom.12:9-10 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

2 Thess.3:14-15 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Christians have concern for all. I see a friend as someone who has respect and simularities in which makes them a good partner in team work. Someone who wants to see you sucessful and treats you as an equal. John 15:15-16