Friendships

Life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Fellowship is important to God and friendships emerge out of close fellowship. Not everyone is likely to be our friend however. Lets look to the Bible to see what it has to say about friendships.

• God can give friendships, but He can also take them away. There is no promise that friendships last forever. MATTHEW 19 v 6 does not apply. This is speaking about marriage.
• Paul and Barnabas were close friends for a time, but in ACTS 15 v 36 - 41 they argue and go there separate ways.
• True friendships rise above differences in circumstance. Jonathan and David had a genuine bond even though Jonathan’s father was trying to kill David and David was to take the Kingship that belonged to Jonathan by birthright.
• In 1 SAMUEL 23 v 15 - 18 we see loyalty and encouragement as traits of a good friendship
• Paul and Timothy were close friends, but there were very different ages. Paul described Timothy as "a son". They were friends as well because of their common work.

True friendship is a gift from God and one to be thankful for. Friendships are best when they are mutually beneficial. Christians have the opportunity for closer friendships as we can connect with each other on a spiritual level. The ultimate friendship is with Jesus himself and He calls us His friends in JOHN Ch 15 v 14 if we obey Him.