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What are the marks of a good friendship?
It "hangs in there."
Proverbs 17:17; 18:24
Loyalty is a primary mark of friendship. A true friend is someone who's been through fun times and hard times with you and is there when you need him. While some people claim to be friends, when they have to give as well as receive, they look for other friends. Proverbs 18:24 uses direct language: "A man who has friends must himself be friendly."
Both proverbs speak of family. Family members are obligated to share each other's troubles because they are family, yet often that sense of obligation stands in the way of experiencing the closeness with family that you do with true friends. It can be a real challenge—but a real blessing—to develop meaningful friendships with extended family members.
These proverbs show you what to look for in friendship. But they also show that you need to evaluate your own loyalty in friendships. Are you being the kind of friend Proverbs talks about? (See also Ruth 1-4; Proverbs 27:17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:4-8; James 5:13-20.)
Good Words to Remember:
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
Today's Challenge:
How loyal of a friend are you?
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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