Friendship in Four Parts (P3)

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Matt. 9:36

Being a "Samaritan" Friend:

(Jesus to the world)

Jesus had compassion on the world. He lived his life to serve others. He was caring and comforting. He spent time with them and healed their infirmities. He ate with sinners and fed the multitudes. He strengthened the weak. He spoke words of encouragement. He loved unconditionally.

Luke 10:33

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him], And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave [them] to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." Luke 10:33-37

Who is your neighbor? Neighbors come in all shapes and sizes. The literal neighbor, the unsaved relative, the friend at school. May be it's someone that sits alone or with the same person each week? Maybe they aren't the nicest, or maybe they are irritating or annoying. Maybe they talk a lot or they never talk to anyone.

Have you ever wondered if they have been hurt in the past? Have you ever wondered if they could use a good friend? 

     Ways to Make Friends and Be a Good Friend:

     #1 Say Hello. Get to know them.

     #2 Include them. Introduce your friends to them (show yourself friendly)

     #3 Pray for them. Ask them for prayer requests. (…God will show you how to be the right kind of friend)

     #4 Forgive their mistakes. (everybody needs forgiveness)

     #5 Have compassion on them. (Compassion means "Their hurt in YOUR Heart".)

     #6 Give them your time and attention. (They might have a strange hobby or collection…but so do you!)

     #6 Seek ways to do something nice for them. (cards, gifts, candy, something to do with their hobby)

     #7 Be patient with their growth and progress. (People are being patient with you!)

     #8 Love them unconditionally. (surprised I included this one?)

Friendship in Four Parts (P2)

Titus 2:3-4

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness.... That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children." Titus 2:3-4

Being a Submissive Friend:

(Jesus to His Heaven Father)

We aren't just friends with our peers, but we can have a friendship with our authorities as well. I want you think about one mature Christian woman who is living the life that you wish you could have. Someone you admire and have great respect for. Write down their name. 

Philippians 3:17

"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample." Phil. 3:17

Jesus, from the start, displayed a friendship with God the Father. He was continuously looking for ways to connect with His Father. He would often go to a mountain to pray. He often said that He did whatever the Father commanded Him to do. He sought to please and imitate Him.

Paul tells us to be followers of him… as he followed Christ. We also read that older women are to instruct younger women. Look at older women around you in church. These women are trying to live God-honoring and pleasing lives. They are faithful to the ministry. They love their husbands and have raised their children. They love, care, and want to get to know you more. They have some experience and understanding of the Christian life.

Find one older Christian woman who is living the kind of life you'd like to have. It may not be the "ideal" or perfect life, but many women have characteristics, habits and life experiences which they are more than willing to share.. if only asked. Maybe it's a teen worker, maybe it's a wife/mother from church, maybe it's a pastor/deacon's wife, or maybe it's a godly mature "grandmother". You will not only make a friend but you will grow and mature a lot in your Christian walk.

READ - Phil. 4:9

"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Phil. 4:9

     Building an Submissive Friendship:

     #1 Say Hi. Introduce yourself. (not all older people are scary)

     #2 Respect their leadership and authority. (Listen and obey their requests)

     #3 Get involved with the things they do or be in their ministry/outreach. (Be around them)

     #4 Help them with projects they have. (around the house, scrapbooking, their church ministry)

     #5 Watch them closely and observe what they do. (responding to conflict, treat their kids/spouse etc.)

     #6 Listen attentively to what they say. (you never know when you will find that pearl of wisdom!)

     #7 Imitate the good things. (Mimicry is the highest form of flattery)

     #8 Forgive them if they make a mistake. (We are ALL human.)

     #9 Pray for them daily. (For them to be a good leader, wife and example for you and others…)

     #10 Love them! :D