• You need friends and fellowship, not just relationships.

1. People with the same heredity, environment and life experiences can grow up with totally different life responses based on their interaction with their friends, Prov 13:20

2. We all want, need, and were created for friends, yet you have to be careful how you pick your friends

2. We all want, need, and were created for friends, yet you have to be careful how you pick your friends

3. Not everyone who is smiling at you is your friend, because some of them are actually your frenemies

• Real friendships are never accidental, but intentional.

1. Be committed, Prov 18:24

• There are friends who do not show themselves friendly, and yet there are others who will be closer than your family.

1. Be committed, Prov 18:242. Be considerate, Prov 17:9

• Consideration is an attitude of acceptance that shows concern for the rights and feelings of another.

1. Be committed, Prov 18:242. Be considerate, Prov 17:93. Be confidential, Prov

11:13; 16:28b

• Some people love the friendship more than the friend.

A. Compliment in public and correct in private

B. Do not give what you cannot take, Prov 11:14

A. Compliment in public and correct in private

B. Do not give what you cannot take, Prov 11:14

C. Correct people when they are up and not when they’re down, Prov 27:9

1. Be committed, Prov 18:242. Be considerate, Prov 17:93. Be confidential, Prov 11:13;

16:28b4. Be candid, Prov 27:5; 24:265. Be constructive, Heb 10:24; Prov

12:26

• It is easier for the wicked to drag you

down than it is for you to pull them up.

• Train yourself to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

1. Be committed, Prov 18:242. Be considerate, Prov 17:93. Be confidential, Prov 11:13; 16:28b4. Be candid, Prov 27:5; 24:265. Be constructive, Heb 10:24; Prov

12:266. Be consistent, Prov 17:17

• Real friends take sides, because they take God’s side and steer you to it.