Friend Relationship
Love Deeply – Part 1

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Key Verse: 1 peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Our scripture for today has some great advice for anyone who wants to maintain a long term friendship.  In my opinion, long term friendships are enriching.  A person is very wealthy, no matter how much or how little money they make, if they have some best friends in their lives.  Unfortunately, it is not likely to be in a long term friendship without dealing with a few frustrations along the way.  How we deal with frustration will determine the health and length of that friendship.

The Apostle Peter, speaking to all Christ followers in general, says: “be clear minded and self-controlled” (vs. 7).  This is really critical advice when a friend does something to frustrate you.  One way to be clear minded is to allow time for emotions to calm down.  If our emotions are in full gear, our minds are not!  We must always give ourselves time to settle the emotions before dealing with frustrations.  The Bible warns us, “Be slow to speak;” very good advice if you are going to keep friends in your life!

If you are someone who tends to open your mouth before you really have a clear mind, this advice will take some real, intentional effort.  Write notes to yourself and paste them where they’ll remind you to slow your response time.  (Continued)

Father, I want to be a good friend.  Help me to slow my responses to frustrations.  May I stay in step with the Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, amen.