Friends:
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the faith we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus
Chorus
~Amy Grant
What kind of friend are you?
Can you think of anyone who would describe you as a good friend? What would they say about you if asked to talk about their relationship with you?
Scripture says that good friendships are a great treasure. While some people play at friendships, a true friend “sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Elsewhere, the Book of Proverbs describes other characteristics of good friends and neighbors.
· A good friend is one who makes honest commitments and acknowledges quickly when those promises cannot be fulfilled
(Proverbs 3: 28 – 28, Proverbs 6:1 – 5)
· A good neighbor refuses to despise poor neighbors, but instead shows kindness toward them
(Proverbs 19: 7; 22:9)
· A good friend and true friend forgives and then lets the matter rest. He does not keep bringing up past mistakes and failures.
(Proverbs 17: 9 , 14)
· A good neighbor or friend is willing to share in one’s adversity
(Proverbs 17:17)
· Good neighbors do not wear out their welcome by paying too many visits
(Proverbs 25:17)
· A good friend will sing one’s praise to others
(Proverbs 27: 1 – 2)
· Friends can sharpen one’s thinking with good counsel
(Proverbs 27: 17; 28: 23)
Use this list of friendship characteristics to measure your own value as a friend. Do you follow this kind of guidelines for friendships laid down by Proverbs? Also think about the people you value as friends. Do they know how much you appreciate them?
Page made especially for all my friends
