A friend is someone who
Galatians 6:2 (NLT) 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
John 15:13 (NLT) 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Listening with the Heart.
True friendship begins with
Job 2:11-13 (NLT)
11 When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. 12 When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.
Proverbs 18:13 (NLT)
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.
Proverbs 18:2 (NLT)
2 Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.
James 1:19 (NLT)
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
Caring in Action
Real friendship is shown through
1 Samuel 23:16-18 (NLT)
16 Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.” 18 So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.
Galatians 6:2 (NLT) 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
“It is our care of the helpless, our practice of loving kindness that brands us in the eyes of many of our opponents. ‘Only look,’ they say, ‘look how they love one another!’” —Tertullian (AD 160-224)
Following Jesus’ Example
Following Jesus means
John 11:35 (NIV) 35 Jesus wept.
John 15:15 (NLT)
15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 13:34-35 (NLT) 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
True friendship is