Articles for Christians

Key Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 9:10

Qualities to Look for in a Friend

We All Need Friends, But We Must Choose Our Friends Wisely. When choosing friends, we should ask God for wisdom and look for friends who help us obey Him.

1. A Friend Who Stands Beside You

• Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-4
• Example: David and Jonathan
  • Jonathan remained loyal to David through difficult circumstances. True friends stand by one another in good times and bad.

2. A Friend Who Loves

3. A Friend You Can Trust

• Scripture:
  • Proverbs 27:6
    • A true friend is honest, dependable, and willing to tell the truth in love.

4. A Friend Who Is Helpful

• Scriptures:
  • Luke 10:25-29
  • Luke 10:30-37
  • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
    • Example: The Good Samaritan
      • Helpful friends are there when we need encouragement, support, and assistance.

5. A Friend Who Makes Sacrifices

• Scripture:
  • John 15:12-13
    • Real friendship often involves putting others before ourselves.

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Friends We Should Avoid

We should be kind to everyone, but we do not have to choose everyone as a close friend.

Key Verses

• Proverbs 13:20
• Proverbs 4:14-15
• Proverbs 22:24-25
  • Bad friends can influence us to make poor choices and disobey God.

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Look for Friends Who Respect God’s Commandments

1. They Put God First (First Commandment)

• Scripture:
  • Exodus 20:3
    • Choose friends who love God and want to obey Him.

2. They Do Not Worship Idols (Second Commandment)

• Scripture:
  • Exodus 20:4-6
    • Godly friends do not place people, possessions, sports, games, or hobbies above God.

3. They Respect God’s Name (Third Commandment)

• Scriptures:
  • Exodus 20:7
  • Deuteronomy 5:11
    • Avoid friends who curse, swear, or misuse God’s name.

4. They Respect God’s Day (Fourth Commandment)

• Scripture:
  • Exodus 20:8-11
    • Good friends encourage worship and time with God.

5. They Honor Their Father and Mother (Fifth Commandment)

• Scriptures:
  • Exodus 20:12
  • Deuteronomy 5:16
  • Ephesians 6:2
    • Avoid friends who constantly disrespect or disobey their parents.

6. They Do Not Hurt Others (Sixth Commandment)

• Scriptures:
  • Exodus 20:13
  • Deuteronomy 5:17
    • Choose friends who are kind and do not bully, threaten, or fight.

7. They Do Not Steal (Eighth Commandment)

• Scripture:
  • Exodus 20:15
    • Avoid friends who take things that do not belong to them.

8. They Tell the Truth (Ninth Commandment)

• Scripture:
  • Exodus 20:16
    • Choose friends who are honest and trustworthy.

9. They Are Content (Tenth Commandment)

• Scripture:
  • Exodus 20:17
    • Good friends are thankful for what God has given them and are not jealous of others.

10.They Are Pure in Heart

• Scripture:
  • Matthew 5:8
    • Good friends encourage purity in thoughts, words, and actions.

11. Think About Good Things

• Scripture:
  • Philippians 4:8
    • Friends should encourage us to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

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