Healthy Friendships

Friendships are a vital part of life. It’s important to cultivate healthy friendships.

Loyal friends accept each other unconditionally – “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need” (Proverbs 17:17 NLT).

True friends have each other’s back – “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NLT).

Helpful friends offer sound counsel – “Ointment and perfume delight the heart and the sweetness of a man’s friend give delight by hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9 NKJV).

Arguments put barricades between friends – “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars” (Proverbs 18:19 NLT).

Gossip divides friends – “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28 NLT).

Unruly friends are negative influences – “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25 NKJV).

In healthy relationships, each person pours into the lives of others; the commitment is not one sided. Remain loyal, nurturing and keep Jesus the focal point of all relationships.