Positive Friends

Holding the Keys to Spiritual and Social Transformation

Friendship is the cutting edge of influence. Friends influence us in positive and negative ways. We influence are friends in positive and negative ways as well.

Jesus was a model of the transforming nature of friends. He described this in His own life in this way:

John 15:12-17
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I 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. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

There are certain types of friends that we all need. Every relationship that we have is unique, expectations vary and God's purposes for those relationships are different.

1. We need friends who function as mentors to us.

2. We need friends whom we serve. Making disciples is one of our main purposes in life.

3. We need friends we are reaching. Friendship evangelism is the most effective form of evangelism.

4. We need friends who are peers.

5. We need best friends. For those who are married or engaged, it is probably you spouse. In addition to that person, there are other "best friends" that bring us strength anencouragementnt.

6. We need friendship with God. This is possible through Jesus Christ. This is the transforming friendship. This is central to the Good News. It also makes allows us to be a better friend as we learn grace, forgiveness and unconditional love. It reminds me of the old hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Written in 1855, Scriv­en wrote this hymn to com­fort his mother, who was across the sea from him in Ire­land.
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

I want to suggest to you that learning to be a good friend is the key to influence and happiness. Try applying this challenge to all levels of friendship.