True Friendship

I truly value the friendships I have. I love to get to know new friends and try to take the time to get to know them. One way I do this is by inviting them and their family over for dinner. What do you do to get to know people? Do you socialize with people after church service? One thing our church is planning to do is to have a fellowship meal after service, so people can get to know new friends.

Yesterday morning, we studied friendship in our Sunday School class. I think it is a very good topic to discuss, so I want to share a little of what I read. I hope this encourages you today. Are you a true friend?

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (KJV)

We have probably all had fair-weather friends at one time or another. They're the ones who stop being a friend when things get difficult. For whatever reason, friends like this distance themselves when circumstances change.

The Bible's picture of a true friend differs sharply from this kind of person. Proverb 17:17 describes the true friend as one whose friendship endures hard times, and even grows stronger during those times.

Jesus' friendship with two sister, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus illustrates well this type of friendship. Their relationship continued through pleasant times and difficult times. Their friendship shows us the need for true friends. It also teaches us to value the friendships we have.

Examine your own friendships. Is your friendship a constant thing to others, or do you find yourself separated from your friends when hard times come into their lives? Do not be a fair-weathered friend. Try to be a kind of friend Jesus was to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus--a friend who is steady throughout the seasons of life.

Look for opportunities to make new friends. Be especially aware of those around you who seem to have few friends. You could be the friend they wish for, or they could be the friends you need.

Above all, value your friendships. They can give you a way to show Christ and His love for everyone. Difficult though they may be a times, friendships are a gift from God. Treasure the gifts of friendship you have.

God's gift of friends sustains and encourages us in every season of life.

Here are some scriptures to study:

Luke 10:38-42
John 11:28-45

1Samuel 20:35-42 (Friends Protect)
Job 2:11-13 (Friends Share Grief)
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 (Two Better than One)
Mark 2:3-12 (Friends Never Give Up)
Luke 15:8-10 (Friends Celebrate Victories)
Philippians 2:25-30 (Friends Share in Trials)