I’m pondering God’s words on friendship… (I made these notes several years ago. I can’t recall the source and did a search. Please post a link if you can find the original source besides the Word of God…)

True and Lasting Friendship Can Occur Suddenly
1 Samuel 18:1–3
After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. (NLT)

Godly Friends Give Good Advice
Proverbs 12:26
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. (NLT)

Gossip Separates Best Friends
Proverbs 16:28
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. (NLT)

Loyal Friends Love Through Difficult Times
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT)

Faithful Friends are a Rare Treasure
Proverbs 18:24
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (NLT)

Reliable Friends are Hard to Find
Proverbs 20:6
Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? (NLT)

Purity and Integrity Gain the Friendship of Kings
Proverbs 22:11
Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend. (NLT)

The Wrong Friends Can Have a Negative Influence
Proverbs 22:24–25
Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (NLT)

Sincere Friends Speak the Truth in Love, Even When it Hurts
Proverbs 27:5-6
An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (NLT)

Counsel from a Friend is Pleasing
Proverbs 27:9
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (NLT)

Friends Shape and Sharpen One Another
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (NLT)

True Friends Strengthen and Help Each Other
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)

Friendship is Marked by Sacrifice
John 15:13–15
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. (NLT)

Thoughts…

We search for good friends, loving friends, loyal friends…
We strive to be good, loving and loyal friends.

We are abundantly blessed by our perfect Father who calls us friend. He is a good and loving friend who will never leave us.

“Jesus, help me to receive your love today. Thank you for your goodness, your love, your everlasting presence. Lead me to be the friend you call me to be. Amen.”

 

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