Feb 3: C8 Friends

Goals: To see the importance of developing good friendships. 2. To better understand the causes of broken friendships and how to mend a broken friendship.

God thought of man and thought that he could enjoy paradise better if he has someone to share it with. Today is no different, God wants us to share our lives with each other, life is best when shared with friends. Be the friend you want to have; imitate Jesus!

FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT

1. They can be a source of encouragement.
Ecclesiates 4:9 -12, Proverbs 17:17, how can friends help each other?
Friends help each other up, their return for their work is doubled, they can comfort each other, they love in all times, they can defend each other

2. They can give counsel.
Proverbs 27:5-6
God created us to be authentic!

3. They can see potential.
1 Timothy 4:12
Youth is not an excuse for unholiness, at all ages we are called to be our best and seek ways to increase our faith and testimony.

CHOOSING GOOD FRIENDS
1. Select a person that will grow you up closer to Christ!

2. Select a person who can identify (feel) with you when you go through both good and bad times.
a. What is the depth of feeling a person should have for another?
Romans 12:10, Romans 12:15
Devote yourselves to each other in brotherly love and share in their joy and sorrow.
b. Think of a time when a friend 'felt' what you were going through. What did it mean to you?
c. Who do you know that needs someone to reach out and 'feel' with them right now?

3. Select a person who can be trusted.

4. Select a person who will not hold a grudge or become jealous.
Proverbs 22: 24 - 25
Keep away from those you easily anger or become jealous -- do not be this person if you want to have good godly friends!

MEETING NEW FRIENDS
1. Take special notice of new people who may come to your church, group, or school.
a. Reach out to them.
b. Show them God's grace.

2. As a friendship grows, it needs to take on these qualities:
a. A willingness to share joys and sorrows.
b. A willingness to share spiritual insights.

WHAT BREAKS FRIENDSHIPS
1. Cutting remarks. Don't say them!
a. What does the Bible say about cutting remarks?
Proverbs 15:18, Proverbs 18:19
Be patient and avoid quarrels, they destroy your ability to do any good

b. What does God desire in your relationship with others?
I Peter 3: 8-9
Live in harmony, sympathetic, loving and compassionate, let evil go and return blessings to your enemy.

2. The SILENT TREATMENT leads to a broken friendship. What kind of behavior does God desire instead?
Romans 12:10
Love each other with brotherly love and honor each other

3. Unwillingness to go to another person and ask for forgiveness leads to broken friendships.
Colossians 3:13
Forgive one another and our Lord forgave us!

MENDING BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
1. Confess to God. Psalm 139:23 -24
2. Study. Romans 12:17 -21
3. Go to the person. Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:9-10