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Godly Friendship: A Priceless Commodity
Article by David F. MaasA close friend who has God's Holy Spirit is one of the most valuable commodities one could ever desire. God Almighty has set in motion the laws that bond one person to another and sustain friendship. Any alliance or friendship not based upon God's laws and principles will not succeed, and close friends should have an intense love for God's law. God's psychology insists that friends build up instead of tear down, emphasizing godly communication that involves sharing common interests, giving and accepting advice, offering and receiving criticism, and providing encouragement. A healthy relationship requires both giving and receiving, with the primary emphasis on the way of give. The ability to confide freely in another with no fear of betrayal is a mark of a mature friendship. Trustful confidence is a two-way street, and friends should love others as themselves to prevent betrayal of confidence. God Almighty, as the recipient of countless confidences, forgives and forgets transgressions shared with Him, setting an example for us to at least not spread sensitive confidences entrusted to us. Loyalty is perhaps the most desired quality in a friendship, where a Christian friend remains steadfast in both fair and foul weather, sticking closer than a brother born for adversity. Jesus Christ and God the Father have made such a commitment, promising never to leave or forsake us. If a friendship is based on the way of get, it will crumble under strain, but godly friendship, grounded in God's principles, is the cement that forges bonds within the Family of God. God's work is a love-building work, strengthening connections among all. A true friend, like God, does not view one's mistakes as permanent failures, and we should strive to emulate Him in our relationships.
Friendship Within the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe will be judged on our responsiveness to each other and our subsequent friendship with our brethren, one that goes through the grave for all eternity.
Passover and Friends United in Truth (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mark SchindlerThere is a kind of artificial friendship, that to show one's self friendly in it, is very expensive, and in every way utterly unprofitable.
Thank You For Being A Friend
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTrue friendship is not just a casual relationship, but a deep commitment of trust, enabling the sharing of our deepest thoughts without fear of betrayal.
Passover and Friends United in Truth (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mark SchindlerOut of the entire world, we have been chosen now to develop friendship, not with the world, but with those placed in the love and friendship of the Body of Christ.
Friends of the Friendless (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod exhorts His children to be friends of the friendless, and reach out to others in our fellowship who may be experiencing difficult times.
Iron Sharpens Iron (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ryan McClureHow do we 'sharpen' another's countenance? Most importantly, the imagery implies proximity, closeness. Nothing can be sharpened unless there is contact.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
You Are My Friends!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile it is common on Facebook to defriend/unfriend, Christ's love for His people is a friending with the condition that godly fruit is produced.
Prayer and Fervency
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiving faith has its roots in fervently, diligently seeking God and His righteousness with intense desire (like a passionate lover) through habitual prayer.