Healthy Relationships: Friendships

Pastor Marc Bullion

“And Jonathon made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” 1 Samuel 18:3 NIV

I need healthy friendships to:

Grow spiritually

“I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” Romans 1:12 NCV

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16a LB

Get through life’s difficulties

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV

Guard against loneliness

“God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18a NIV

Guide me to my goals

“Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 NCV

How do I develop healthy friendships?

Be friendly

“A man that has friends must show himself friendly.” Proverbs 18:24 KJV

“Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.” Philippians 2:4 NCV

Be trustworthy

“Many people claim to be a friend, but it’s rare to find someone who is truly trustworthy.” Proverbs 20:6 NCV

Trust is earned by being reliable and loyal (Proverbs 17:17), and keeping confidence (Proverbs 11:13)

Be a good listener

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 NIV

Be accepting and forgiving

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:12-13 NLT

Be there to celebrate and be there to grieve

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 NIV