Building Great Friendships

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BUILDING GREAT FRIENDSHIPS

Presenters: Pastor Donald Clarke,

Jr. &

Bishop Donald Clarke

July 7, 2010

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Who is a Friend?

Synonyms: A Pal, A Buddy, A Companion, An Acquaintance, A Comrade

Building Great FRIENDSHIPS

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A. 8 SIGNS OF HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP

1. One in which mutual strengthening and encouragement exists.

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend”


A.8 SIGNS OF HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP2. Honest opinion and advice is

given and received under all circumstances.

Proverbs 27: 6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful”


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3. Each prefer the other above themselves.

Rom 12:3: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”


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4. Are confidants of each other and do not betray trust.

I Samuel 20:42 “And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city”


A.8 SIGNS OF HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP5. Respect each other’s opinion.


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A.8 SIGNS OF HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP6. Mutual accountability.

Luke 11:5-8 5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall

have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.


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A.8 SIGNS OF HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP7. Is willing to give sacrificially to

ensure the other’s well being.

John 15:13“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lays down his life for his friends”


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A.8 SIGNS OF HEALTHY FRIENDSHIP8. Share similar beliefs and values.

Amos 3:3“Can two walk together unless they be agreed?”

Ps 119:63 “ I am a companion of all who fear you and of those who keep your precepts.”


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B.8 SIGNS OF BAD FRIENDSHIP1. Both agree to do things that are

wrong or illegal (For example criminal conduct, gossiping, etc.)

Rom 1:28-3228 And even as they did not like to retain God in

their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,


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B.8 SIGNS OF BAD FRIENDSHIP

Rom 1:28-32 (continued)

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

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I Cor 15:33 “Do not be deceived evil company corrupts good habits”.

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FRIENDSHIPS

B.8 SIGNS OF BAD FRIENDSHIP2. One always give while the other

only receives.

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FRIENDSHIPS


3. TERRITORIALISM - One that seeks to isolate a friend from everyone else.

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FRIENDSHIPS


4. One party is always negative and critical.

Proverbs 22:24 “Make no friendship with an angry man and with a

furious man do not go.”

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FRIENDSHIPS


5. Unreliability – cannot be relied on to keep his end of an agreement…..always have an excuse for not doing something.

Matt 5: 37 – But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ anything beyond these is of evil.

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6. Controlling.

2 Sam 16:17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness

to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

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7. Takes advantage of the other’s weaknesses.

Proverbs 1:10 “My son if sinners entice you consent thou not.”

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8. Jealousy – does not like to see the other prosper or excel in any way.

Song of Solomon 8:6“Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof

are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.”

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A Friend Most True© Wendy Hinson 04.03.99

I need to know if you’re my true friend,will you be by my side until the end?Can I tell you my secrets deep,and trust them in your heart you’ll keep?

We are neither of us without our flaws,can you accept mine as I will yours?I’ll be a shoulder to cry on when you’re blue,will you be there for me when I need you?

No matter how busy I will make time for you,if you are busy will you make time for me too?I will take your hand and comfort your tears,will you hold me and soothe my fears?


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A Friend Most True -continued© Wendy Hinson 04.03.99

I will give you joy and many warm smiles,can we share that even across many miles?I will not forget what’s important to you,will you remember what’s important to me too?

With you my most favourite things I’ll share,If only I know do you truly care?If you can accept me as I do you,then I will know you are a friend most true.


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Spiritual

Building Great Friendships