Godly Friendships

How are Christian friendships different from others?

David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20)

Jonathan’s willingness to do whatever David wanted (Philippians 2:3-4)
Jonathan loved David as he loved himself (20:17) even when his father, Saul, hated David (Proverbs 17:17a)
David wept when he had to leave Jonathan (20:41)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." [1 Thess. 5:11]

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." [Heb. 3:13]

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." [Heb. 10:25]

God calls us to be encouraging one another DAILY.

Sometimes encouragements from friends can be painful

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:5-6)

Paul and his “Church Friends”

"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Col. 2:1]

"...He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." [Col. 4:12]

Paul loved his “church friends.” He loved them so much to spread the Good News about Jesus to people and really disciple them!! Paul also prayed for his “church friends.” As Christian brothers and sisters, we should be praying for one another DAILY.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." [John 15:13]