Proverbs 18:1 ESV
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

There are different kind of friendships:

• Casual Friends
• Close Friends
• Core Friends

Proverbs 12:26 NLT

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

The People You Should Choose As Core

#1) ENCOURAGE SPIRITUALLY — Choose friends who encourage me spiritually

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Encouragement =

 — the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope.

 — to fill the heart                                            

#2) SUPPORT EMOTIONALLY — Choose friends who consistently support me emotionally

Proverbs 17:17 NLT

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

#3) CHALLENGE MENTALLY — Choose friends who challenge me to think

Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

How To Be A Friend

1. BE CHEERFUL: Greet people with a smile

Proverbs 15:30 NLT

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

Proverbs 15:26 ESV

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure.

GNB — “The Lord… is pleased with friendly words.”

2. BE COMFORTABLE: Relax & Be Yourself

Matthew 22:39 NLT

A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

• love = agapao = God’s love = love in a social or moral sense

Psalm 26:4 NLT

I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.

Proverbs 13:7

Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.

3. BE CONVERSATIONAL: By Asking Questions

Philippians 2:4 NLT

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

The secret of making friends: Be interested, not interesting!

Proverbs 20:5 NLT

Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.

4. BE CONSIDERATE: Listen well & empathize

Listening is loving.

James 1:19 NLT

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Romans 12:15 NLT

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

• Parents, if you want your kids to have good friends.

1) Model attention & listening skills

2) Interact in conversations

3) Willing to transport your kids to their friends

5. BE CONSISTENT: Stick with them in tough times

Proverbs 18:24 ESV

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Job 6:14 NKJV

To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Proverbs 27:10 NLT

Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

6. BE CONFIDENTIAL: Don’t Gossip about them

Proverbs 11:13 NLT

A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

7. Be CANDID: Always tell the truth

Ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

John 1:17 ESV

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

2 John 1:3 ESV

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

3 John 1:1 ESV

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

Speak the truth in love even when it hurts.

Proverbs 27:6 NLT

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

Proverbs 24:26 NIV

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Colossians 3:9 NLT

Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

• To be a godly friend, we must be lovers of the Truth.

8. BE CHRISTLIKE: Love them unconditionally

• Jesus Christ is our perfect model of a friend.

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Romans 15:7 ESV

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Galatians 5:22-26 NLT

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

CONCLUSION

• Are your friends helping or hindering your growth? Are you a good friend to others? Which of those points do you need to work on?

• We are living in times with little to no church community. We need friendships in a church community.