Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Ecclesiastes 4:11 (NKJV) In Ecclesiastes 4:11 we see a powerful principle of friendship at work. Two people who are cold share the warmth they have and it increases. We could also say that when two friends who are feeling down share the joy and gratitude they have, they come away from the interaction smiling. God did not design us to be independent. Many struggle with this idea as we have been socially acclimatized to think that independence equals strength. Most action movie heroes are lone rangers, taking on the world alone. In reality, this was not God’s design. Actually, it takes more strength to maintain honest, healthy relationships …

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13 (NKJV) There is no greater expression of love than to be willing to give your life for someone. Imagine that a close member of your family is pulled into a river’s undertow. At the last second, when all hope seems lost, a man jumps into the raging river and saves your family member, only to lose his own life in the process. How would you feel about this man? This is what Jesus did for you when He gave His life. Jesus gave His life for the opportunity to save you and everyone you love from an eternity of pain and torment without God. That’s the kind …

He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. Proverbs 22:11 (ESV) Our world is in a crisis when it comes to relationships. Despite a desire for trustworthy, close friends, many report that they don’t have them. According to a study cited in the June Sociological Review, one quarter of all Americans have no close confidants. However, the Bible is the greatest relationship book ever written and it can empower us to change these statistics by following its principles. Over the past two days we have been discussing reasons why people struggle to make friends. Today we will cover two keys to building close friendships from Proverbs 22:11. 1. Check your motives. Some develop friendships for …

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV) When we share our lives with others, life becomes infinitely more enjoyable. Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that friends make us stronger and more resilient. Regardless of this fact, many people struggle to get close to people. Yesterday we covered three reasons why this might be the case. Today we will cover four more: 1. Take the time. Between jobs, extra-curricular activities, family time, volunteering and housework, some find that they have no time. Friendship time needs to be scheduled or it won’t happen. Make it part of your plans. 2. Be un-offendable. Are your expectations unrealistic? Being someone’s friend doesn’t mean you will …

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NKJV) Our society enables us to be more socially isolated than ever before, making many people hungry for friendship. When you think of it, we’ve gone through a radical culture change over the past few decades. Older houses were built with a front porch instead of a back deck. In the evening you could stroll down your street and find several neighbours sitting on their front swing, inviting friendly conversation. Today face-to-face social interaction has to be more intentional. If …