BUILDING HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS

We are not going to be looking at the meaning or what friendship is all about, but will dwell on building a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

Our short study shall be drawn from the story of these two young men in the Bible; David and Jonathan. The latter who was a prince of the nation of Israel, became friendly with a shepherd boy, David.

The Bible recounts in 1Sam.18:1-4, the manner of the friendship they had. The characteristics of this particular relationship shall form the basis of our short study today and would give us insight on how we can build healthy friendships and avoid unhealthy ones.

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2KJV:And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. 3:Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4KJV:And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.”

Note that in verse one, the Bible says; Jonathan loved David like his own self. The first characteristic of a true friendship is love. It should form the basis of every relationship(friendship) that intend to last. Our relationship with Jesus was born out of love. The Bible says; “ he loved us first…”

A healthy friendship would open doors for you. It is not self seeking. King Saul liked David because of Jonathan his son’s love for him. The friendship opened the door of the king to David. I have had friends who have gone out of their ways to make me comfortable, just like I seek their welfare also.

Agreement is one major factor in building a healthy relationship or friendship. The Bible in Amos 3:3 says; “…can two work together except they be in agreement?” Jonathan and David had a covenant, which is an agreement. The content of the covenant is not part of our study today, but the fact is that they were in agreement.

• Parties in a healthy friendship give their best. They do not hold back… Jonathan removed his royal cloak and put it on David. He didn’t think he was better than David. If you have a friend that always want to get the best and appear better than you, be weary of such friendship.

There is always a sense of security in every healthy friendship.  Jonathan was secure with David and could give him his armor and was not  afraid. Do you have a friend you cannot leave in your apartment and feel safe? Then, I think you should redefine that friendship.

It is very important we define our friendship with people and be certain its purpose. We need to be discerning and know that we don’t need to force friendships to work. It should just come naturally!

UNITY OF THE CHURCH

The unity of the Church is so important and precious to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the state where the Church can harness the power of oneness to reach her goals. Individualism isn’t necessarily division, instead Selfishness engenders disunity. The place of corporate anointing cannot be overemphasize as there is need for synergy amongst all.
In John 17:21, John prayed a profound prayer to God concerning the unity of the Church or the brethren. He says; “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
The unity of the Church should not be compromised by selfish and personal ambitions of church leaders. The disunity of the body of Christ at this moment puts a clog in the progress of the kingdom gospel. The acceptability of the Word is reliant on the unity of the body of Christ. That verse says; “…that the world may believe…”
The Church at this time must understand and do all she can to foster unity in the body; bearing in mind the power of oneness. The unity of the Church must not be relegated to the background, no matter what it will cost.
Acts 2:1-3 gives us a vivid picture of what unity can bring to the body of Christ. “And when the day Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord (unity, agreement) in one place.
The two verses that follows reveals the power, the glory and blessing that accompanies oneness. The much anticipated revival may be a thing to wait for in a long time as long as we continue in this game of division; where competition and apathy are the order of the day. The move of the Holy Spirit can only be provoked by a selfless, loving, and indivisible Church.
Psalms 133:1-3, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2:It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garment. 3:As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
1. It is a good and pleasant thing to be united
2. It is I valuable (Precious ointment); anointing of the Godhead that flows to the body
3. It brings freshness and revival ( the dew brings revival to the plants). The Church is the planting of the Lord and also the mountains of Zion
4. Release of blessings (healing, deliverance, financial prosperity, etc)
The pride of the Church should be her unity. Jesus’ prayer reveals the secret of his success; which is undoubtedly traceable to the unity of the Trinity (Godhead). “can two work together except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3.