How do you ‘do friendship’?
Do you “sing together, la, la, la, la…*ping*”
Do you do it via Facebook?
As another uni year begins, how do you ‘do friendship’?
God has an idea or two… both in his wise book – called Proverbs, and his wise boy – called Jesus.
He says:
- Be considerate.
Notice what’s happening for them. Consider what’s best for them. Do what’s best forthem.
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Proverbs 25:20
Not considerate… Not cool…
If a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.
Proverbs 27:14
It’s true for loud music too…
Because of their love they seek their friend’s best interests.
- Be honest.
Even if they ask, “Do I look fat in these pants…?”
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:6
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
A great friends says what’s needed – not just what’s popular
They choose uncomfortable (but helpful) honesty – over easy (but selfish) flattery. Because of their love they seek their friend’s best interests.
- Be reliable.
Someone once said, “A friend in need… is a friend to be avoided…”
But not so – for a great friend. They stick with you – even when it costs them.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
Because of their love they seek their friend’s best interests.
- Be forgiving.
He who covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9
Once it’s dealt with, a great friend refuses to nurse their hurts or rehearse their hurts. Instead, if they’re a Christian, they forgive as they have been forgiven. Because of their love they seek their friend’s best interests
- Be… Jesus (and be like Jesus).
Like the old hymn sings: “What a friend we have in Jesus! All our sins and griefs to bear…”
Jesus is THE GREATEST friend. In him we see the most considerate, honest, reliable, forgiving man there ever was. In him we find the very best friend we could ever have. In him we have the very best model to follow.
This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:12-13
Jesus’ love drove him to seek the best interests of people who were his enemies and made them friends.
How do you be a great friend?
Step 1. Become a friend of Jesus.
Step 2. Become a friend like Jesus.
la, la, la, la…*ping*