Friendships
Friendships can be among the most rewarding relationships in life. The following are some tips for getting the most out of your relationships with others.
Be wise and exercise good judgment regarding those with whom you spend time and consider a friend.
Scripture tells us that spending time with those who do wrong corrupts good character. We all make
mistakes, but we should likely limit time with those who consistently behave in ways improper for a Christian.
Show yourself friendly. If you desire to have good friends, you should also be a good friend. People like those who treat them well. This does not necessarily mean we should let people take advantage of us, but we should be considerate of others and treat them with kindness and respect.
Forgive. As in any close relationship, friends will sometimes do or say things that hurt. You must be willing to forgive in these situations as God continually forgives us of our shortcomings. There are instances where repeat of serious offenses may warrant separation from an individual, but we should be able to remain cordial with
them, not harbor bad feelings towards them, and treat them as we would like to be treated.
Encourage one another. In life we face challenges (sometimes small and sometimes great). Friends encourage one
another in difficult times.
Help one another grow. Good friends encourage one another in positive endeavors and celebrate
successes with them. A good friend encourages others to realize their potential in God.
Be good company. One of the best ways to be a good friend is to personally lead a life pleasing to God. This enables you to be a good influence and to avoid being a negative one.
Be available. Sometimes friends just need to hang out and enjoy one another’s company. Make yourself available for these opportunities.
Scripture references:
Note: Each topic of discussion is accompanied by associated scripture references. Every visitor is encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information shared through his/her personal bible-based research and discussion with local ministry leaders, parents, and/or trusted advisors.
I Corinthians 15:33
.....bad company corrupts good character
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Matthew 6:14
If you forgive those who sin again you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
I Thessalonians 5:11
So encourge each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Hebrews 10:24-25
(24) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (25) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Be wise and exercise good judgment regarding those with whom you spend time and consider a friend.
Scripture tells us that spending time with those who do wrong corrupts good character. We all make
mistakes, but we should likely limit time with those who consistently behave in ways improper for a Christian.
Show yourself friendly. If you desire to have good friends, you should also be a good friend. People like those who treat them well. This does not necessarily mean we should let people take advantage of us, but we should be considerate of others and treat them with kindness and respect.
Forgive. As in any close relationship, friends will sometimes do or say things that hurt. You must be willing to forgive in these situations as God continually forgives us of our shortcomings. There are instances where repeat of serious offenses may warrant separation from an individual, but we should be able to remain cordial with
them, not harbor bad feelings towards them, and treat them as we would like to be treated.
Encourage one another. In life we face challenges (sometimes small and sometimes great). Friends encourage one
another in difficult times.
Help one another grow. Good friends encourage one another in positive endeavors and celebrate
successes with them. A good friend encourages others to realize their potential in God.
Be good company. One of the best ways to be a good friend is to personally lead a life pleasing to God. This enables you to be a good influence and to avoid being a negative one.
Be available. Sometimes friends just need to hang out and enjoy one another’s company. Make yourself available for these opportunities.
Scripture references:
Note: Each topic of discussion is accompanied by associated scripture references. Every visitor is encouraged to verify the accuracy of the information shared through his/her personal bible-based research and discussion with local ministry leaders, parents, and/or trusted advisors.
I Corinthians 15:33
.....bad company corrupts good character
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Matthew 6:14
If you forgive those who sin again you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
I Thessalonians 5:11
So encourge each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Hebrews 10:24-25
(24) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (25) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.