- 1st Love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:6
A Friend loves you. A friend is willing to say what you needed to hear, even if it hurts. Because he always acts out of love, you are willing to listen to him and grow.
I used to weigh 300 lbs. My best friend asked if I wanted to do the biggest loser with him, adding that he would be my coach… At first it hurt. But I knew it was from love, it inspired me to lose 70+ lbs. I am thankful that my friend was willing to be faithful to me, and that he loved me enough to help me, even it hurt.
- 2nd Loyalty.
In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
2 Samuel 19:6
Absalom was King David’s son, he sought to kill David and take the throne. Davids friends risked their life to end the uprising. When they returned from battle with the news that Absalom had died, and the uprising was over David mourned his death instead of thanking his friends for all they did to protect and serve them. Teaching us that loyalty to true friends is a two-way road. If we desire loyal friends we must be loyal to them.
- 3rd Humility.
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Proverbs 6:3
Humility is vital in our relationships. Humility will keep pride out of our relationships, and pride destroys relationships. In all your dealing with friends always act in humility. Once we are humble, we can also make sure our friends. It is important to have true friends. True friends will help you to do what’s right, and will always be there for you.
- 4th. Friendliness.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
If we desire friends, we must be friendly. It is important to realize not all friends are made equal. You will find people in life that you connect with, people that will become closer than a brother. Be True to these friends.
- 5th Greeting.
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
3 John 1:14
John teaches us, that we should call one another by name. It is important to take the time to learn the names of those around you. This is also true of Church, there is nothing like a warm handshake or hug with greeting them by name, and saying it is good to see them. It makes them feel welcome and loved.
- 6th Forgiveness.
And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
Zechariah 13:6
This in my opinion is one of the most striking examples of friendship. When Jesus Christ will come again we will come to more fully understand who He is. We will know that He really and truly paid the price for our sins. We will realize that we don’t deserve a true friend and Savior like Him. Yet His desire it not to hurt us, He still desires our eternal welfare, like a true friend.
- 7th. Sacrifice.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends .
14 Ye are my friends , if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends ; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
John 15:13-15
Jesus Christ outlines how a true friend would act. And anyone who see the life of Christ realizes He has acted and acts like a true friend to us. He calls us His friends. and He desires that we act unto others had He would. As a True friend.