What Kind of Friend Are You?

How would you describe a true friendship? What type of atmosphere does friendship thrive in? What exactly does a true friend do? Where can examples of true friendship be found?

A true friendship is characterized as being serious, faithful, and important, constant. In order to build a true friendship, time, effort, desire & patience must be present. Knowing the definition of friendship is the tip of the iceberg...we need to know where its foundation lies...in love. The Word of God tells us that "A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17. I Corinthians 13:4-8, tells us that Love is...
• Patient
• Kind
• Rejoices in truth
• Bears all things
• Hopes for all things
• Endures all things
• Trusts
• Never fails

These words give us a description of love, which allows us to express Godliness in our friendships.

Friendship thrives and survives the best in an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance and unquestionable vulnerability. These factors invite us into the true essence of friendship.

On the other hand, let us be reminded of things that antagonize the atmosphere of friendship:

• Jealousy - Wanting what belongs to others & being unhappy when others are blessed

• Gossip- Talking about friends to others in a manner which is crass, critical & petty

• Breaking confidence - Telling secrets!!!

When these things come into our surroundings, we should do our best to TUNE THEM OUT!

A true friend is a positive, motivating force in your life. A true friend

• Stirs you up! They are honest, telling you what you need to heat, while "Speaking the truth in love" Ephesians 4:15. True friends combine truth with gentleness. They give you loving guidance without callous attacks!
• Lifts you up!
They stand behind you —> A true friend supports you
They stand beside you —> A true friend will strengthen you
They stand before you —> A true friend will stimulate you
• Builds you up! A true friend encourages, exhorts, empowers, and has mutual acceptance & a lot of love!

Because the Bible provides us with instructions on living, many examples of friendship & love can be found there. The story of David and Jonathan speaks of a love and friendship that proves "...there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother" Proverbs 18:24. This type of friend is a Godly friend! They will stick by you through grief, loss and disgrace!

The world tells us to be concerned with what type of friend someone is to us, but we should be concerned with the type of friend that we are to others!

Food For Thought:
I went out to find a friend
But could not find one there
I went out to be a friend
Friends were everywhere!
tough when things get rough!

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