John 15:12-13 ESV
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
The Redemptive Power of Godly Friends
Rev Tan Eng Boo
Key word: GODLY, not just any friends
3 levels of friendship, found in Job 19.
Acquaintances in v13
Familiar friends in v14
Inward friends in v19
There is such a thing as a very, very close friend - Proverbs 18:25.
We need friends because of the support - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
We can build up inward friend friendships and we ought to do so, in a GODLY manner.
The power of Godly friendship... has a redemptive effect, how?
1. In earnest counsel
Proverbs 27:9 ESV
Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
Be a counsellor, a GODLY counsellor, to friends. So there is a need to know the Bible well enough to give such advice.
2. Gives trustworthy correction
Proverbs 27:5-6 ESV
Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Similar to counselling, correction is that necessary counsel given when when we are already on the wrong path.
True, GODLY friends will seek to correct and rebuke, in other to get the wayward friend back on track.
3. Gives consistent comfort
Proverbs 17:17 ESV
A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for adversity.
At all times! A GODLY friends is always willing to stand with you in a sacrificial manner.
Who is the example of such friendship? Jesus sets the perfect example. (John 15:12-13)
We ought to work towards being GODLY friends, more than acquaintances.
So how can we build our friendships?
Join the Bible class!
Spend time together; like during the after service period, attend vigil services, etc...
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