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| Friends since elementary school. |
- Is honest - Many forego candor these days and either say nothing or glaze over the truth when it comes to dealing with people. How else do we help one another than by telling the truth, even when it hurts? If I am “trippin,’” would somebody please tell me rather than letting me make a fool of myself?
- Shows unconditional love and unwavering loyalty - It blesses me to know my friends will stick by me, no matter what I am going through and will love me and pray for me when I am unlovable or in trouble. I need to know they are there for me regardless, even when it is inconvenient. A friend loves at all times and stands the test of time.
- Is a good listener - Sometimes we are so tempted to say to certain people,”Would you please be quiet?” Everybody needs a good listener in a friend. All too often we become self consumed and just can’t stop talking about ourselves! What a way to turn people off. One of the easiest ways to make friends is simply to listen to them.
- Makes you better - If no one else does, your friend should be the one who challenges you and motivates you to be your best and to follow your dreams. If you find yourself the rescuer in all your relationships, then it's time to reevaluate who you call friends.
- Shares common interests - You should be able to connect with your friend first on a spiritual level, because two people who walk together will end up agreeing on matters of the heart. (So, make sure you agree with what your friend stands for.) Whether it is a hobby, a work ethic, a skill or a personal characteristic, friends share something unique that binds them.
- Celebrates who you are - True friends are never envious or jealous, because they appreciate your uniqueness and realize God manifests himself differently in the lives of each individual. They rejoice with you in victory and stick by you when you lose.
Jesus was the perfect example of a friend. He laid down His life for us. That's the highest form of friendship. It’s a beautiful thing to have a good friend, but it's even better to be one, because you will always get back what you give!
Scripture Links: John 15:13; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:24; I Corinthians 13:4; Proverbs 27:17; Galatians 6:7
To Receive Jesus as Lord ad Savior:(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.
To Rededicate Your Life to the Lord (after falling away):Dear Heavenly Father: I confess to you that I have sinned. You said if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I turn away from sin and turn to you, and I ask you to forgive me. I forgive myself also. Father, thank you for forgiving me, remembering my sin no more and allowing me to have right standing with you again. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
