We live in an age of deception and mistrust. It is very difficult to find a true friend. In the world there are all kind of friends. Bat friends that come out at night. Faucet friends who turn off and on. Fake friends who will fake you out when you need them most. Summer friends who will be there some of the time. Telephone friends who will turn on the answering machine. Bubble friends who will burst when the pressure is on. Nosey friends are those who live in your business. Jealous friends who want your possesions. Lying friends who will lie on you. Unsaved friends who will lead your soul straight to the pit of hell. But a true friend will not wait on your call, he will call you. A friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. A true fried is one who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. True friendship is one mind in two bodies. A true friend is one who reaches for your hands and touches your heart. In prosperity our friends know us but in adversity, we know our friends. Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. A true friend does not have to tell you he loves you, you know he does.
In the first place, A True Friend Loves With His Heart.
A. He loves with a regenerated heart.
B. He loves with a bible filled heart.
C. He loves with a Spirit filled heart.
In the second place, Let us look at The Essentials of a True Friend.
1. True friendship is independant of time.
2. True friendship is independant of circumstances.
3. True friendship is unshaken by slander.
4. True friendship is outlives unworthy treatment.
5. True friendship is not hindered by distance.
6. True friendship is not based on occupation and image.
7. True friendship is not affected by a reduction in
status.
8. A true friend will not let his friend die without
Jesus.
In the third place, A True Friend Will Reveal Himself in Adversity.
A. In adversity a friend becomes a brother.
B. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
C. When in trouble the first thing you will see is his
heart.
In the fourth place, A True Friend is a Friend From A to Z.
A. He accepts you as your are.
B. He Believes in you.
C. He calls you just to say "hi"
D. He doesn’t give up on you.
E. He envisions the better part of you.
F. He forgives your mistakes.
G. He gives unconditionally.
H. He is there to help you.
I. He invites you over.
J. He’ll just be with you.
K. He’ll keep you close to his heart.
L. He loves you as you are.
M. He’ll make a difference in your life.
N. He’ll never judge you unfairly.
O. He’ll offer support when you need it.
P. He’ll pick you up when you’re down.
Q. He’ll quiet your fears.
R. He’ll raise your spirit.
S. He’ll sooth your trouble soul.
T. He’ll tell you the truth even when it hurts.
U. He’ll understand you.
V. He values your friendship.
W. He walks besides you.
X He x-plains the hard stuff.
Y. He yells when you won’t listen.
Z. He zaps you back to reality.
In the fifth place, A True Triend Will Give His Life for His Friend.
Conclusion: Calvary reminds us of what a true friend will do to save his friends. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
No greater sacrifice....
No greater Purpose...
No greater example...
No greater revelation...
No greater friendship...
No greater cause...
No greater love...
No greater gift...
No greater God...
