Learning to Love my Friend(s) 9

My Friend Brings Out the Best in Me and Challenges Me to Grow

A. A good friend is not a “yes-man.”
B. A friend reinforces my strong traits and challenges me to grow in areas of weakness. Proverbs 27:17
C. Jesus is that kind of friend to me and encourages me to be that kind of friend to others.

I. MY FRIEND STRENGTHENS MY GOOD POINTS BY WHAT HE GIVES ME.
A. Ability and opportunity. Matthew 25:14,15,29; 1 Corinthians 15:9,10
B. The freedom to start where I am and to grow. Luke 16:10
C. Compliments when I succeed.
1. I need to know how to give a compliment.
a. Tell what you like.
b. Tell why you like it.
c. Ask a question.
2. I need to know how to receive a compliment. Proverbs 27:2
a. When complimented, say, “Thank you.”
b. Accept good gifts.
c. Don’t insult people by denying what they say good about you.

II. A GOOD FRIEND WILL CHALLENGE ME TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS FOR THE BEST REASONS.
A. By moving my motivation more and more from fear to faith, hope, and love.
1. Fear of punishment motivates and is scriptural. 2 Corinthians 5:10,11; Matthew 10:28
2. As I mature, my motivation grows in the direction of
a. Faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7
b. Hope. Romans 8:24; Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 3:15
c. Love. 1 John 4:18
B. However, fear of the wrong thing will motivate in the wrong direction.
1. God doesn’t give that kind of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7
2. In place of timidity, there should be
a. Power.
b. Love.
c. Sound mind.

III. A GOOD FRIEND WILL REBUKE AND CORRECT ME WHEN I AM IRRESPONSIBLE. Proverbs 27:5,6
A. Why is open rebuke better than secret love?
B. When would a friend wound you?
C. How can I correct in the right way?
1. Be truthful. Ephesians 4:25; Matthew 5:37; Ephesians 4:15
2. Keep current. Ephesians 4:26,27; Matthew 5:23-26
3. Attack the issue, not the person. Ephesians 4:29; Matthew 5:21,22
4. Act, don’t react. Ephesians 4:31,32; Matthew 7:12
5. Suggest positive traits to replace negative habits. Ephesians 4:25-32

A. Friendship is complicated and powerful.
1. For good. Proverbs 27:17
2. For evil. 1 Corinthians 15:33
B. Consider:
1. How can I be a friend to Jesus?
2. How can I be a friend to others?
3. How can I be a friend to myself?
4. How can this class be improved?
5. How will I end this class and say good-bye?