Introduction: 1. We need friends. 2. They are the fertilizer of our souls. 3. Essential elements for genuine friendship. I. Mutuality. A. Common ground (hobbies, beliefs, likes, character, background, plans for the future, religion). B. Common bond (Prov. 27:17; 13:20). C. Example (1 Sam. 18:1). II. Love. 1 Cor. 13:1-9. A. Patient long in coming to anger (even if you are hurt) (1 Thes. 5:14; Ja. 1:19). Look at the example of God (Rom. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:10). B. Listens (Prov. 18:24). C. Bears all things protects, hides, to conceal by placing a cover over (1 Pet. 4:8). D. Bold enough to confront (Prov. 27:6; Prov. 28:23). III. Commitment. A. Friends are givers (Prov. 27:9, 10). They are protective (1 Sam. 19:2). B. Loyalty to the relationship (1 Sam. 20:4). C. Keep the individual’s trust (Prov. 25:9-10) IV. Encouragement. A. When we need encouragement (struggling with our conscience (Rom. 15:1); face life’s troubles (2 Cor. 1:3, 4); working through guilt (2 Cor. 2:3-7); worry from others (Col. 4:7-9), bury a loved one (1 Thes. 4:13f.); become fainthearted (1 Thes. 5:14). B. How? Presence (2 Cor. 7:6, 7), tongue (Eph. 4:29); scripture (1 Tim. 1:3, 4). C. Truly 2 Cor. 12:19). Conclusion: 1. We need friends. They help get us through life. 2. Without friends our lives would be very empty.
Entered on 5/18/2008
| Email Us! | © 2003-2010, Pomona Church of Christ |