By brother george
If John Wayne were here, he would probably say;
“Men become Men in the company of Men”
Well, Men here we are, let’s get to it; Do we want to project the
John Wayne image “ I do not need anybody ” or do we want to
improve our lives and man up to get better connected with God.
It is your choice, do it on your own and travel around in circles
with the lost or read the directions God gave you.
I have made study notes on a few Scriptures that reveal; what
is real friendship, why God wants us to have real friendships,
and how do we become real friends. God’s directions are like
bricks to be placed one by one for you to build upon. You must
do the hard part of building “Real Friendships”.
Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.
“love at all times” is loyalty and that is the greatest proof of a
real friendship. Loyalty is being a real friend available to help
a brother during a difficult time.
Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Many people are those fair weather companions around for their
enjoyment, but leave when they are not benefiting. We need a real
friend who will stick close as a brother and be there for us if needed.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
34 "A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."
Jesus says our Christ- like love will show that we are His disciples.
We show we are Jesus followers by helping a brother when it
is not easy, sharing when it hurts, giving time for his welfare,
by taking a hurt without complaint. Our actions will speak loudly
to others. Be aware that the only Bible being read by some men
is you.
John 15:12-15 (NIV)
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for
his friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know
his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
everything that I learned from my Father I have made known
to you.
Jesus laid down His life with love for us. We are told to love
each other as Jesus loved us. There are many ways for us to
demonstrate our love by; listening, praying, sharing, helping,
and encouraging. Jesus called His disciples friends and thus
by extension all His followers are His friends. We as followers
are called to be His friend, to love Him and to love one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds.
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more
as you see the Day approaching.
Fellowship is a gift from Christ it helps us grow in faith, overcome
doubts, improves our connection with God and encourages one
another. Let Christ’s love motivate you to care for your brothers.
To neglect Christian meetings is to give up encouragement to
your brothers. We come together to share our faith and strengthen
one another in the Lord. We should never consider excuses for not
attending Christian meetings. If difficulties occur we should make
greater effort to overcome and be faithful in our attendance. Your
attendance demonstrates the value you place on your brothers and
their friendship.
Romans 12:10 (NIV)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another
above yourselves.
Brotherly Love is devotion to other Christian men with a family
type of love not based on our personal attraction. Men do not
deprive yourself and your brothers of real friendship. Look
around and you will find a brother who needs your friendship.
Ask God to reveal one to you and take the challenge of being a
real friend. Stop wishing you could find a real friend, become one.
Increase your opportunities by placing yourself in situations
where friendships can develop. Place yourself in the way of
friendship with an activity such as a church ministry.
Christianity is not meant to be a spectator sport, get on the team,
get off the bench and get in the game.
Heavenly Father, our prayer is for your help for inward changes
that will increase our capacity for friendship, and for the
opportunities to develop real friendships. This is asked for as it
is in your word and in the name of Jesus, amen.
