Building Better Relationships

• How many friends do you have? How many really good friends do you have?

• What’s the difference between a friend and a really good friend?

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

Do you know the difference between a friend and an acquaintance? A friend is someone you respect, someone you enjoy being around, someone you share a bond with, someone whose happiness means a lot to you, someone who fills an important role in your life. An acquaintance might be someone you hang out with occasionally, someone who makes you laugh or someone you see around school a lot.

Sometimes it’s easy to get the two confused. We assume that if we hang out with someone a couple of times, we become friends. But friendship is much more involved than that. To be friends with someone means to make that person a priority in your life. It means to be there when that person needs you. It means to notice when something is wrong and work to help make it right. It means to bring out the best in that person.

If you have a good friend, you should be thankful. They are more valuable than money. If you can be a good friend, that’s even better. If you’re not sure how to do that, check your Bible. God has filled his Word with instructions on how to love others.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for the wisdom and examples of genuine friendship you’ve given us in your Word. Help us keep those things in mind as we try to build friendships that honor you. Amen.