What is a Friend?

Guest: Gabe Boyd

True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation. George Washington

There can be a difference between a “friend” and a co-worker, teammate, classmate, neighbor, even a family member. 

“Friend” gets thrown around so casually - “Facebook friends” are not truly friends. How many “friends” do you really have?

What does it mean for a person to be a friend?

1. Someone who seeks or has your best interest at heart
2. Someone who is willing to undergo adversity or conflict with or for you
3. Someone you can trust, count on, rely on
4. Would you add anything else to the list?

God made men to be relational. You’re not supposed to or created to do life alone.

The Bible speaks about friendship. Loyalty is an important aspect of friendship. A friend is a person who is consistently walking through life with you. Examine the friendship of David and Jonathan - great study of God’s Word on this subject.

Inhibitors to true friendship - pride, isolation, self-centeredness.

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

A friend doesn’t always tell you “what you want to hear.” A friend will speak truth, even when it might hurt. A friend is someone who has earned the right to tell you what you need to hear.

How do I develop good friendships?

1. Prioritizing quality friendships - shoulder-to-shoulder activities. There are face-to-face activities, talking. There are also shoulder-to-shoulder activities - hunting, fishing, building a home, going to a game, whatever - not just doing the activity, but using the experience to build a relationship. 
2. Be a friend first. Go be a friend to a person and be counted as a friend for another person, then look for those who are friends to you. Friendship is not always a two-way street - you might be a friend to someone who is not a friend to you and vice versa. Start by being a friend - that’s something you can control.

Proverbs 19:4 - Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

Are the people around you truly friends or people who just want something from you.

Game Plan - go be a friend to someone this week.