Relationships 101: Friends

Relationships 101: Friends
6 GOLDEN RULES OF FRIENDSHIP

1) Invest the time (Show Up)

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4 NIV)

2) Earn their trust

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

     HOW?

     BY BEING RELIABLE

“A friend loves you ALL the time…” (Proverbs 17:17 NCV)

     BY BEING LOYAL

“If you love someone, you’ll be loyal to them no matter what the cost. You will always believe in them, always expect the best, and always stand your ground in defending them.” (1 Corinthians 13:7 LB)

     BY KEEPING CONFIDENCES

“…a true friend will keep a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13 CEV)

“No one who gossips can be trusted…but you can put your confidence in someone who is trustworthy.” (Proverbs 11:13 TEV)

3) Listen with empathy

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

“We must bear the burden of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others…” (Romans 15:2a LB)

4) Accept their faults

“Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.” (Romans 15:7 NLT)

5) Celebrate wins and share losses

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

6) Bring out the best

“Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.”
(Proverbs 27:17 CEV)