Wealth (Part II) True Wealth: Healthy Friends and Family

Wealth

(Part II)

True Wealth:  Healthy Friends and Family 

Strong relationships are essential to healthy friends and family, and true friendship is the foundation of such relationships.  Whether it’s marriage, parent/children or just pure friendships, learning how to have great friends is essential. Here are seven principles required for healthy friendships.

I. A TRUE FRIEND MUST BE COMMITTED

Prov. 18:24

²⁴ A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 (Good News)

"Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers."

II. A TRUE FRIEND MUST BE CONSIDERATE

            Prov. 17:9

⁹ He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Prov. 17:9

"Love forgets mistakes, nagging about them parts the best of friends."

  

III. A TRUE FRIEND MUST BE CONFIDENTIAL

Prov. 11:13

¹³ A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Prov. 16:28

“…And a whisperer separates the best of friends.”

IV. A TRUE FRIEND MUST BE CANDID

Prov 25:5-6

⁵ Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. ⁶   Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 24:26 (Good News)

"An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship."

Three rules on how to be candid with friends:

1.      You compliment in public; you correct in private. 

2.      You never rebuke a friend until you've proven that you are open to rebuke from them. 

3.      You correct them when they are up not when they are down, when they're feeling good not when they're feeling bad.

  

V. A TRUE FRIEND MUST BE CONSTRUCTIVE

Prov. 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Real, genuine friends, build each other up, they stimulate each other to grow.  They bring out the best in each other.  They encourage each other.  They lift you up.  They motivate you.  They don't de-motivate you.

The Bible says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep."

                        1 Cor. 15:33

³³ Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

VI. MUST BE CONSISTENT

Prov. 17:17

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

1.                  There are acquaintances -- the people you mail your Christmas cards to. 

2.                  Then there are companions -- often the people you work with.

3.                  But there are genuine friends who stick with you and stay with you.

VII. WE MUST BECOME FRIENDS WITH GOD

Rom 5:10-11  NLT

¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

You express what you receive from God

             John 15:12

                ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.