FIGHTING FOR AWESOME FRIENDSHIPS

Building Awesome Relationships pt.4

May 24, 2026  Pastor Sam Goins 

WHY YOU NEED AWESOME FRIENDS

FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.”  Romans 1:12 (NCV) 

FOR SUPPORT AND HEALING

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV) 

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16a (LB) 

FOR CONNECTION

God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”  Genesis 2:18a 

 BEING AN AWESOME FRIEND

1. PUT THE WORK IN

“A man that has friends must show himself friendly.”  Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

“Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.”      Philippians 2:4 (NCV) 

2. EARN THEIR TRUST

“Many people claim to be a friend, but it’s rare to find someone who is truly trustworthy.”  Proverbs 20:6  

HOW?

BY BEING RELIABLE

“A friend loves you ALL the time...”  Proverbs 17:17 (NCV)

BY BEING LOYAL

“A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in a time of need.”  Proverbs 17:17 (LB) 

“If you love someone, you’ll be loyal to them no matter what the cost. You will always believe in them, always expect the best, and always stand your ground in defending them.”  1 Corinthians 13:7 (LB) 

BY KEEPING CONFIDENCES

“...a true friend will keep a secret.”  Proverbs 11:13 (CEV)

“No one who gossips can be trusted...but you can put your confidence in someone who is trustworthy.”  Proverbs 11:13 (TEV) 

3. REALLY LISTEN

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”  James 1:19  

“We must bear the burden of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others...”  Romans 15:2a (LB) 

4. LOVE THEM WARTS AND ALL

“Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.”  Romans 15:7 (NLT) 

“Overlooking a person’s faults cultivates love; but nagging about them destroys friendships.”  Proverbs 17:9  

5. BE THERE FOR THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”   Romans 12:15 (NIV) 

6. HELP THEM GROW

“Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.” Proverbs 27:17 (CEV)

“An honest answer is a sign of true friendship.”  Proverbs 24:26 (TEV)