Made New: Friendship
“David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.” 1 Samuel 23:15-18 ESV
The selection of your friends is just as important as the selection of your spouse.
Do not be fooled: “Bad friends will ruin good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33-NCV
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin…” Proverbs 18:24a-NLT
Real Friend Checklist:
- Real friends
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 ESV
- Real friends
“Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 NLT
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT
- Real friends
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
“Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—” Acts 27:36 NLT
- Real friends
“Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.” Luke 1:42 NLT
“Rejoice with those who rejoice” Romans 12:15 ESV
- Real friends
“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT
God wants your friendships to be made new by making you into a real friend.