GODLY FREINDSHIPS

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”


I. What is a Godly Friend
a. Someone who is loyal
i. Proverbs 17:17
1. “A friend loves at all times”
ii. Proverbs 18:24
1. “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”
• David and Jonathan (read their story in 1 Samuel). Jonathan was loyal to David. David was loyal to Jonathan. It went both ways.
b. Someone who (knows how to keep a confidence TRUSTWORTHY)
i. Proverbs 25:9-10
1. “If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation”
ii. Person does not air dirty laundry
iii. Person does not Gossip.
1. Gossip will ruin a friendship
a. Proverbs 16:28
i. “A forward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends”
2. Gossip will ruin a reputation
3. Gossip will ruin and destroy a life if uncontrolled.
c. Someone who knows how to control their tongue
i. Proverbs 11:9
1. “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape”
ii. Proverbs 11:12
1. “A man of understanding holds his tongue”
• If someone talks falsely of you, talk to him in private about the matter
• Don’t seek revenge upon that person.
o You’ll hurt that person and you’ll hurt yourself!
o “Vingeange is the Lord’s and He will repay”
• Beware of people who cause you trouble and then say “I was only kidding”
o Proverbs 26:28
 “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.”
d. Someone who is honest with you
i. True friendship cannot be built upon deceit, but upon total honesty.