Personal Relationships That Are Helpful And Solid
Series: Relationships That Rock
INTRO: Six weeks ago I started a series I call, “Relationships that Rock.” We can have good relationships if we put the effort into them. Relationships with God, family, friends and our business contacts are important. They can be great. We must put forth the effort. We need to have a desire for better relationships in our lives.
If we desire better relationships, one of the first steps is for us to call out to the Lord for them. We must then pursue them by right actions and reach out for them when we have the opportunity.
Today, I want to finish the series with a look at personal relationships which basically develop into friendships. Close personal relationships are some of the most rewarding parts of life. I know I spent two weeks with relationships inside the church, and there should be many such friendships within its doors.
Friendship is good
Friendship is special
Friendship is fantastic
Prov 18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
I have always attributed this to first, Christ as our friend who is even a better friend than a brother could be
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
He loved us
He died for us
He is there for us now (as a true friend)
But, also I have felt that it was also a double meaning, since we can have great personal relationships that are even closer than a brother can be. And I am talking about good brother family type relationships.
Prov 27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
Helpfulness to each other
Loyalty
Choice
Love
Proper actions
Unselfishness
Christ
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Prov 18:24a A man that hath friends must show himself friendly
I know it is before many of your times, but we used to watch “Wagon Train” every week. I loved it.
Looked out for each other
Share resources, time, labor, food, etc.
Protected each other from harm
Reaped the benefits of each other’s help
Looked forward to the same final destination
Do you remember the popular song several years ago…"YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND." By Carol King, Maybe recognized by some of you through James Taylor’s version. Either way, its message is clear and striking. She has captured the essence of friendship.
When you're down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
Can you look at some of your friendships and apply that thought? You’ve got a friend?
Friendship is good
Friendship is special
Friendship is fantastic
Friendship is truly AWESOME
If you lack good friends, seek them out then thank the Lord
Gary Marcum – New Beginnings Church – 050408am