How To Be A Better Friend
“As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” – Proverbs 27:19 ESV
Six Marks of Friendship
1 – I Must Be Committed
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24 ESV
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
2 – I Must Be Considerate
“What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.” – Proverbs 19:22 ESV
“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” – Philippians 4:5 NLT
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
- Friends don’t rub it in, they help rub it out!
3 – I Must Be Confidential
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” – Proverbs 11:13
“Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another,” – Proverbs 25:9 ESV
4 – I Must Be Candid
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:5-6
“Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” – Proverbs 24:26
- Compliment in public, correct in private
- Correct when they are up, not when they are down, depressed or despondent.
- Never rebuke a friend unless you are open to allowing them to rebuke you.
5 – I Must Be Constructive
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
“On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” – 1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV
- Build up each other.
- Be a cheering section for your friends, spouse, and children.
6 – I Must Be Considerate
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 ESV
“Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means].” – 1 Timothy 3:3 ESV
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. “ – Romans 5:11 NLT
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