Choosy Bonds Part 2: What you get from the Table and What You Bring

Good Son-Day!!!

Monsters Amongst us



Choosy Bonds Part II: What you get from the Table and What You Bring

I knew a person whose focus on friendship was an orbit.  Everyone on this planet was subject to her force and their rotation in life circled to her gravitational pull as she was the sun.  All about her.  There had to be something she gained from the relationship, some notorierity or acknowledgement from others that built her esteem.  If you did not do this continually, you were treated like a tax transaction, a write off.

In contrast, I have seen an acquaintance, who was selfless, continually giving to people in circle, but often the brunt of being cruelly and selfishly used.

Regarding friendship, Dad often told me, "Either they are going to impact you or you are going to impact them, choose wisely".  To add this, I would say,  "Find friends where you are equally beneficial to each other".

Good friends will make you a better person. You will want to reciprocate.  Good friends will not drag you into their pit where they may be struggling.  Good friends will sacrifice.  Good friends will stick with you when you are at your worst and extend a patient hand to lift you up.  A good friend will edify you persistently with good counsel when you do not want to hear it and until you do hear it.  A good friend does not share a secret or use it as leverage for conniving, nefarious reasons later.  A good friend will not allow you to become a fool or get in harm's way.  A good friend will give when it hurts.  A good friend will give up their life for you.  A reminder, my friend, this goes both ways.

Practical advice about friendship

Ultimate Friendship - Christ said in  John 15:13 
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Christ's sacrificing expectations for your enemies----now think about what you have to do for your friends
Matthew 5:40-44
If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Adjusting your life style for others who may struggle
Romans 14:15
If a friend is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.

Good Friendship - them before you
1 Corinthians 10:24
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 

Protection and Forgiveness come hand-in-hand
Luke 17:1-4
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to fall, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!  It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause someone to fall. So watch yourselves!"

“If a friend falls, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you MUST FORGIVE.”

Above expectations about friendship are at an extremely high level.  The reason for this is Friendship is an element of Love.  You know me and where I go with this.  You may tire of it and oh well.  . .

1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE.

Remember, the high expectations are achievable.  The demand for you to show this kind of love is because He knows you are more than capable of doing it.
Ephesians 3:19
 And may you know His love, even though it can’t be known completely. Then you will be filled with everything God has for you.

Song of the Week -  Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

A song fitting for the message.  Lyrics in the video.
"Count On Me", 2013, Bruno Mars


Lyrics
Oh-oh
If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the seaI'll sail the world to find youIf you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't seeI'll be the light to guide you
We'll find out what we're made ofWhen we are called to help our friends in need
You can count on me like one, two, threeI'll be thereAnd I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, twoAnd you'll be there'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeahOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah
If you tossin' and you're turnin' and you just can't fall asleepI'll sing a song beside youAnd if you ever forget how much you really mean to meEvery day I will remind you, oh
We'll find out what we're made ofWhen we are called to help our friends in need
You can count on me like one, two, threeI'll be thereAnd I know when I need it, I can count on you like four, three, twoAnd you'll be there'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeahOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, yeah, yeah
You'll always have my shoulder when you cryI'll never let go, never say goodbyeYou know
You can count on me like one, two, threeI'll be thereAnd I know when I need it I can count on you like four, three, twoAnd you'll be there'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh, yeahOoh-ooh-ooh-oohOoh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh
You can count on me 'cause I can count on you

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