Candle Or Mirror

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5 Traits of True Christian Friends

So, what does a true Christian friendship look like? Let's break it down into traits that are easy to identify.

1. Christian Friends Love Sacrificially

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

Jesus is the finest example of a true Christian friend. His love for us is sacrificial, never selfish. He demonstrated it not only through his miracles of healing, but more fully through the humble service of washing the disciples' feet, and then ultimately, when he laid down his life on the cross.

If we choose our friends based only on what they have to offer, we'll rarely discover the blessings of a genuine friendship. Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." By valuing your friend's needs above your own, you'll be on your way to loving like Jesus. In the process, you'll likely gain a true friend.

2. Christian Friends Accept Unconditionally

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

We discover the best of friendships with brothers and sisters who know and accept our weaknesses and imperfections.

If we're easily offended or hold on to bitterness, we'll have a hard time making friends. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes now and then. If we take a truthful look at ourselves, we'll admit that we bear some of the blame when things go wrong in a friendship. A good friend is quick to ask forgiveness and ready to be forgiving.

3. Christian Friends Trust Completely

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

This proverb reveals that a true Christian friend is trustworthy, indeed, but emphasizes a second important truth as well. We should only expect to share complete trust with a few loyal friends. Trusting too easily can lead to ruin, so be careful about putting your confidence in a mere companion. Over time our true Christian friends will prove their trustworthiness by sticking closer than a brother or sister.

4. Christian Friends Keep Healthy Boundaries

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy ... (NIV)

If you feel smothered in a friendship, something is wrong. Likewise, if you feel used or abused, something is amiss. Recognizing what's best for someone and giving that person space are signs of a healthy relationship. We should never let a friend come between us and our spouse. A true Christian friend will wisely avoid intruding and recognize your need to maintain other relationships.

5. Christian Friends Give Mutual Edification

Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted ... (NIV)

True Christian friends will build each other up emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Friends like to be together simply because it feels good. We receive strength, encouragement, and love. We talk, we cry, we listen. But at times we also have to say the difficult things our dearest friend needs to hear. Yet, because of the shared trust and acceptance, we are the one person who can impact our friend's heart, for we know how to deliver the hard message with truth and grace. I believe this is what Proverbs 27:17 means when it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

My hope is that these five traits will show you areas that may need a little work in your effort to build stronger friendships. But if you don't have lots of close friends, don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, true Christian friendships are rare treasures. They take time to nurture, but in the process we grow more Christlike.

RE-POST..

Created For Relationships

"It is not good for man to be alone." Genesis 2:18

TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF FRIENDS:

Proverbs 27:19 (GN) "A mirror reflects a man's face but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."

Proverbs 12:26 "A righteous man is cautious in friendship."

People we need to avoid as our closest friends: Proverbs 28:25

A greedy man stirs up dissension (disagreement), but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. Proverbs 15:27

A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes
will live.

5. Unbelieving people

II. TYPES OF FRIENDS YOU OUGHT TO SELECT ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE.

"He who walks with wise will grow wise" and "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Pro 27:17

2. Support me emotionally.

3. Strengthen me spiritually.

"Spur one another on toward love and good works." 1Thess 5:11

III. HOW TO BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

1. GET INTERESTED IN OTHER PEOPLE

"An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends." Prov. 18:1

"Each of you should look not only after his own interest but also the interest of others." Philippians 2:4

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful!" Proverbs 15:13

3. SHINE DON’T WHINE –

the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15

"It is better to dwell on the corner of a rooftop than with a quarrelsome woman in a home.“Pro 21:19

"Be quick to listen and slow to speak."James 1:19

"Counsel is in the heart of a man like a deep well but a man of understanding will draw it out." Proverb. 20:4

5. ACCEPT PEOPLE UNCONDITIONALLY

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves you at all times.

6. HELP PEOPLE TO FEEL SIGNIFICANT

"Don't think more highly of yourself but think more highly of the other person."Philippians 2:3

7. SYMPATHIZE WITH THEM- UNDERSTAND THEIR FEELINGS AND SENTIMENTS.

8. STICK WITH THEM IN TOUGH TIMES.

"Two are better than one because if one falls the other lifts him up. Pity the man who is all by himself when he falls." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Go back home, tell your friends, tell your family, tell them how much God has done for you." Luke 8:39

"I no longer call you my servants but I call you my friends." John 15:15