AVIZANDUM: Making Friends

Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters. Avise endum Some of you know the song I Am a Rock by Paul Simon. A winter's day in a deep and dark December, I am alone, gazing from my window to the streets below.

on a freshly fallen, silent shroud of snow. I've built walls, a fortress steep and mighty, that none can penetrate. I have no need of friendship. Friendships cause pain. It's laughter, and it's loving I disdain I am a rock.

I am an island. and the rock can feel no pain and an island never cries. a song of a person disillusioned by friendship. But as human beings made in the image of God, we're made not only for a relationship with God. but for relationships with others.

We are not made to be rocks or islands. but rather as those who crave companionship and friendship. Simply put, all of us need friends. they enrich and add spice to life. In the United States, a growing number of people are lonely.

We're surrounded by technology. But in many cases, this technology and social media isolate us. Others have been hurt by previous friendships. And become somewhat cynical or hard, developing protective shells. But one of the great joys in life is friendship.

Now the question is not why people are not more friendly to you. The question is. Are you a good friend? Do you take the initiative in making friends? Maybe you're very shy or fear rejection.

but an individual who has friends must show himself friendly. If people are not reaching out to you, Prayerfully take the next step. Don't become a self-contained, self-focused person. Pray for good friends. Friends influence our conduct for good or ill.

So Take care in choosing friends. Proverbs 20 verse 6 states, Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love. but a faithful man who can find Friendships are worth pursuing. But there are certain kinds of individuals we need to avoid in terms of friendship. Make no friendship with a man given to anger.

nor go with the wrathful man lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. That's Proverbs 22. Verse 24. The Apostle Paul writes, Do not be deceived. Bad company ruins good morals.

1 Corinthians fifteen, verse thirty-three. Students and young adults must avoid bad company, but this is true for all ages. After all, you can tell a lot about a person. by the choice of friends. And don't have ulterior motives when making friends.

Solomon writes in Proverbs nineteen verse four Wealth brings many new friends. But a poor man is deserted by his friends.

So be wise. Good friends. are characterized by love. loyalty, acceptance. We love our friends when they go through difficult circumstances.

It's very disillusioning when you go through the valley experiences of life. and those whom you thought were your friends desert you. A friend loves at all times. And a brother is born. adversity Confidentiality and loyalty are also important in friendships.

Whoever covers an offence seeks love. but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs seventeen, verse nine Many friendships have been ruined through gossip. And individuals talking about someone behind their back. in a derogatory or even slanderous way.

Be honest with your friends. Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs twenty seven, verses five and six. Learn to express your love to your friends.

so that they know you care for them. Also confront them with sensitivity and love when you consider they need to be rebuked. Friends encourage one another and sharpen one another. Henry Ford said, My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me. Friends stimulate one another and draw us closer to God.

Proverbs twenty seven verse nine. Oil and perfume make the heart glad. and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Iron sharpens iron. and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs twenty seven, verse seventeen. And good friends, are able to speak the truth And love. I. And Grove said, talk of loving me. Will I agree with them?

Give me men that will love me when I differ from them and contradict them. Those will be the men to build up a true church. Don't take advantage of your friends. Express your love for them, be loyal to them. Rebuke them when necessary.

And if you don't have any friends, pray that the Lord will guide you. to a person who can help you grow in the Lord and Celebrate the joys and sorrows of life with you. But always remember Our best friend, is Jesus. What a friend we have in Jesus. Abazando.

You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com slash the verdict.