LEVELS OF FRIENDSHIP

LEVELS OF FRIENDSHIP
(with Scriptural Support)

Initial connection and kindness toward others.

Be alert to new people around you. — “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Maintain a cheerful and approachable countenance — smile. — “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” (Proverbs 15:13)
Learn and remember his name; greet him personally. — “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14)
Ask simple, appropriate questions to show acceptance. — “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Be a good listener. — “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” (James 1:19)
Remind yourself of God’s love and interest for him. — “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

Building trust through openness and care.

Discover his strengths and good qualities. — “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, … honest, … just, … pure, … think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Learn about his hopes, desires, and goals. — “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” (Proverbs 20:5)
Ask thoughtful, personal questions to understand better. — “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5, NIV)
Show concern when he shares struggles. — “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Be honest about yourself; admit faults when appropriate. — “Confess your faults one to another.” (James 5:16)
Demonstrate trustworthiness and reliability. — “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Pray for him and his needs. — “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” (James 5:16)

Encouraging growth and walking together in life.

Recognize and affirm his potential. — “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
Discuss his life goals and purpose. — “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)
Encourage him to pursue these goals. — “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
Discern obstacles hindering his progress. — “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 22:3)
Support him in overcoming challenges. — “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Inspire and motivate him toward good works. — “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
Encourage with Scripture. — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Deep accountability, loyalty, and spiritual sharpening.

Offer comfort during trials and sorrows. — “Comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Protect his reputation. — “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1)
Be sensitive to areas needing growth in both yourself and him. — “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Help identify root causes of weaknesses. — “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Encourage correction and accountability, inviting him to speak into your life also. — “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Proverbs 27:6)
Search Scripture together for solutions. — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Commit to loyalty, faithfulness, and availability. — “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

STEP BY STEP