Friendships

December 28th, 2016

St.Maryouth Group - Christmas Dinner Discussion

Friendship

Since many of you had placed the topic of friendship as one of your topic of interest, a discussion was facilitated in the following self-reflective aspects:

· Do you consider yourself to be a good friend?

· How would your friends describe your relationship?

· How do you make friends?

· How long do your friendships last?

· Have you thought about what is required to maintain friendships? Which friendships deserve maintenance?

· If all you had to offer was friendship, how many friends would you have?

· What is an aspect of friendship you want to talk about?

Additional self-reflective questions:

· What does friendship mean to you?

· In what ways do your friends influence you and/or do you influence them?

· Are you the type of friend that your friends can confide in and/or ask for help, vice versa?

· How do you resolve issues of disappointment, betrayal, and/or other hurts by a friend?

What does the Bible say about friendship?

The Bible speaks on all important aspects of our lives. Friendship is one of them as we are social beings, whom need one another to survive. King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

The Bible notes on how we have to wisely choose our friends:

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with wise men will be wise. But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 22:24-25

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God.

Good friendships are however:

Proverbs 27: 9

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times.