How To Recognize 10 Marks of a True Friend

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

At the end of the year, I go through my files and get rid of “stuff” that I haven’t used in years and save things that are meaningful. In cleaning out a folder, I came across this teaching by Pastor Melvin Floyd, a former Philadelphia cop turned preacher, who God used to birth a ministry called Neighborhood Crusades.

In this teaching, he shares 10 Characteristics of A True Friend

1. A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times,
   And a brother is born for adversity.
2. A friend is one who you can trust. Proverbs 4:1-9
3. A man who finds friends mist show himself friendly. Proverbs 18:24 A man who hasfriends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
4. A friend is one who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

 

5. A friend is faithful to you. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful arethe wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are

 

6. A friend does not forsake. Proverbs 27:6
7. A friend is loyal to you.
8. A friend will fulfill his responsibilities to you.
9. A true friend will give you wisdom in making decisions.
10. A true friend will not go along with you when you are wrong. Proverbs 27:6

He goes one to give ten descriptions about “a friend.”

1. A person who will encourage you and help you.
2. A person who will not join your enemies and work against you.
3. A person who will see you need and give without asking.
4. One who will never abuse or misuse.
5. One who will never disrespect you.
6. One who will never take advantage of you.
7. One who will cherish your friendship.
8. One who is not jealous or envious of you.
9. One who multiplies your joys, blessings, and laughter.
10. One who comes in when the world has gone out.

At the end of his teaching, Pastor Floyd says, “if you have one true friend, you are blessed. If you have two, you are doubly blessed.”

I have been blessed to have a dear wife who has been my friend since age five = 60 years. She is my BEST friend. But God has given me some very special friends along the way.

Three weeks ago, I was reunited with my best friend, who I worked with for three summers at Sandy Cove as a summer staff member. We were very close, and some called us “twins” and said we were connected at the hip.

I have not seen Gary in 45 years. We finally connected, and it was amazing how we picked right up where we left off.

Serving at America’s Keswick and interfacing with the men of the Colony and women of Barbara’s Place, I have learned the importance of having good friends. A wrong friend is not a blessing and can be detrimental to our spiritual walk.

Has good blessed you with a good friend? Friends? Why not send an email or text and let them know that you are thankful for their friendship.

Set apart for more,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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Think About This: “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.”– President Woodrow Wilson

The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 16-20 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. -2 Peter 1:5-8(NIV)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.