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Questions from Bible Readers: Friendship
Friends are an important piece in our lives. But friendship, as wonderful as it can be, isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, and the courage to take a risk and develop friendships. As you apply God's wisdom to your life, your friendships will begin to show the healthy, two-way commitment that marks balances relationships.
What are the marks of a good friendship?
• It has staying power and commitment. Ruth 1-4
• It "hangs in there." Proverbs 17:17; 18:24
• It shapes your character and reputation—for the good. Proverbs 27:17-19
• It shows you love one another. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
• It shows you are able to lean on each other. James 5:13-20
How can I have healthy friendships with people of the opposite sex?
• Focus on God's agenda. 1 Samuel 25
• Don't be afraid to ask for appropriate help. 2 Kings 4:1-7
• Remember wrong use of sex cheats people—and God. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
How can I tell if a friendship is unhealthy?
• By looking at character. Psalm 1
• By looking at actions. Proverbs 4:14, 15
• By looking at habits and attitudes. Proverbs 22:24, 25
• By looking at your commitment to Christ. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
How can I repair a broken friendship?
• Let go of grudges and build bridges instead. Leviticus 19:17, 18
• Ask yourself some difficult questions. Matthew 5:21-26
• If possible, keep the matter private between you. Matthew 18:15-20
• See your own contribution to the rift in your relationship. Luke 6:37-42
How can I keep from comparing myself with my friends?
• Realize you don't know others the way God knows them. 1 Samuel 16:1-13
• Remember earthly position is just that—earthly. Mark 10:29-31, 35-45
• Learn to bless your friends. Numbers 6:22-27
How can I speak the truth in love and still maintain a friendship?
• Don't give simple answers to hard problems. Job 42:7-9
• Realize a friendship without truth isn't a true friendship. Proverbs 27:6
• Let go of your anger and resentment. Ephesians 4:25-5:2
• Ask God for wisdom. James 1:5-8
How can I reach out to people who differ from me in habits, faith, culture, or race?
• See the need for salvation as the great unifier. Romans 3:21-31
• Focus on what you have in common—a need for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
• Realize believers are all one in Christ. Galatians 3:26-29
• Remember Christianity is about turning "outsiders" into insiders. Colossians 4:2-6
• Be respectful, listen, and share yourself. John 4:4-26
How can I encourage a friend who's going through a divorce?
• Listen, listen, listen. Job 13:5-15
• Encourage him with God's words. Isaiah 43:2-4
• Point to the God of hope. Isaiah 61:1-3
• Draw on the comfort God's given you. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
What's the best way to find friends?
• Look toward God. 1 Kings 19
• Look for people who are "being saved." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
• Enjoy the diversity of God's people. Revelation 7:9-12
If I'm naturally introverted and independent, why should I go out of my way to make friends?
• Life goes better with friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
• To live out God's command to "have love for one another." John 13:18-35
• Because God tells you to "welcome" others. Hebrews 13:1, 2
Sometimes I feel God is asking me to befriend someone I naturally dislike or who annoys me. How can I overcome my natural inclination to avoid that friendship?
• Remember God doesn't limit Himself to nice people. Ezekiel 2:1-7
• Depend on God's Spirit, not your own strength. Zechariah 4:1-10
• Focus on that person's potential to follow Jesus. Mark 2:13-17
• Follow the example of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
How can I forgive a friend who has greatly wronged or disappointed me?
• Make grace a state where you live. Romans 7:21-8:5
• Remember you, too, are a sinner saved by grace. Ephesians 2:1-10
• Ask God to give you the power to forgive. Colossians 3:12-14
How can I show my friend that Christ is the only way to God?
• Tell her Christ is the promised Savior. Isaiah 7:10-17
• Show him the straight path. Isaiah 53
• Point out that only Jesus rose from death never to die again. Mark 16:1-8
• Encourage him to get to know Jesus. John 14:1-14
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