How to Be the Kind of Friend People Need

What kind of friend do the people in your life need you to be? A true friend does more than enjoy spending time together. Good friends tell the truth with love, listen before giving advice, remain faithful when life becomes difficult, and encourage one another to grow.Proverbs 27 gives us practical wisdom for becoming the kind of friend people can truly count on. Pastor Chris Teien explains why true friends speak honestly with love, offer wise counsel, remain faithful during difficult seasons, and help one another grow.This practical Bible message will challenge you to stop thinking only about the kind of friends you want and start asking, “What kind of friend am I?” You will also discover why Jesus is the greatest friend of all, laying down His life so sinners can be forgiven and made right with God.In this Message:1. A Friend Who Tells the TruthA sincere friend cares enough to speak honestly, even when the truth is difficult to hear. Biblical correction should be offered gently, humbly, and lovingly, with the goal of restoration and growth. (Proverbs 27:5–6; Proverbs 12:15; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1)2. A Friend Who Gives Wise CounselA wise friend listens before speaking, considers the facts, admits when they do not know the answer, prays with you, and points you toward biblical truth. (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2:11–13)3. A Friend Who Remains FaithfulA loyal friend does not disappear when trouble comes. Faithful friends remain present through crisis, grief, disappointment, and need. (Proverbs 27:10; Proverbs 17:17)4. A Friend Who Helps You GrowGodly friends sharpen, encourage, and motivate one another toward greater wisdom, love, good works, and faithfulness to Christ. (Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)Jesus said there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for one’s friends. He demonstrated that love by dying for us while we were still sinners. (John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8)Illustrations and Topics Include• The humorous warning in Proverbs about greeting your neighbor too loudly in the morning• Why friendships must be pursued and maintained like plants that need water• People who pretend to be friends in order to make a sales pitch• The difference between social-media connections and genuine friendship• Learning to make new friends after repeatedly changing schools• Why every person has a limited number of close relational connections• The difference between loving correction and self-serving flattery• Why advice from podcasts, YouTube, and artificial intelligence must be tested• Job’s friends sitting silently with him before offering unhelpful advice• The importance of having a dependable “2 a.m. friend”• How friends sharpen one another through shared life and honest encouragement• Advising a friend about whether to buy an older Jeep Grand Wagoneer• Jesus Christ as the greatest friend, who gave His life for sinnersKey ScripturesProverbs 27:5–6, 9–10, 17; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2:11–13; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8Key TopicsChristian friendship, biblical friendship, true friends, loyal friends, godly relationships, Proverbs 27, wise counsel, speaking the truth in love, faithful friendship, iron sharpens iron, Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, loneliness, making friends, church friendships, dependable friends, biblical advice, healthy relationships, Jesus as our friend, and becoming a better friendAre you the kind of friend who tells the truth with love, gives thoughtful counsel, remains faithful, and helps others grow closer to Christ?Full Episode & Transcript:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/1968964526.0823de Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith