O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

• One of the greatest dangers is when we become forgetful.
• We receive blessings, yet we forget the Giver.
• God repeatedly calls His people to remember, to give thanks and to praise His Holy Name.
• Our text comes from a moment of joyful remembrance in 1 Chronicles 16.
• David brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
• It was a time of victory, restoration, and renewed worship.
• In the midst of this celebration, David leads the people in praise.
• In the heart of that praise is this simple yet profound command:

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

THE PROBLEM OF UNGRATEFULNESS

• Man is born unto trouble, Job 5: 7
• We cannot choose our situation in life.
  • Parents
  • Circumstances
  • Problems
• We can choose our attitude, how we respond to our circumstances.
• Oftentimes, God has so blessed us in many ways.
• But we always have the wrong attitude – always discontented. 
  • 1 Tim. 6:6 – Godliness with contentment is great gain.
  • Verse 8, And having food and raiment let us therewith be content. 
  • Focus on money – 1 Tim. 6: 10, “The love of money is the root of all evil”. 
  • Focused on other people and become envious, James 4:1.
  • James 3:14-16 – If ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom is not from above but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 
  • I John 3: 12 – Cain slew his brother because of envy. 
• The problem of ingratitude is not seeing God’s goodness, so that we become bitter.  Hebrews 12: 15
• The problem of ingratitude is a heart problem.  (Matt. 12: 33-35)
  • A tree is known by his fruit.
  • Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
  • A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things.
  • An evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
• Sometimes we are surrounded by envious people, who are unhappy when the Lord blesses us and makes us fruitful.
• We should not allow their wrong attitude to influence us.  (Psalm 1)
• We should be happy that God has placed us in the influence of godly and blessed people.  (Just like in the camp of Abraham)
• Blessed people are those who are happy when they become a channel of blessings.  (Prov.11:25). 
• If you have a problem when God blesses other people, examine your heart, you have a heart problem. 2 Cor. 13: 5
• Our prayers should be Lord make me a channel of blessings to your people, to pastors. 
• You have to look, how God is blessing you through the supportive people around you. 
• If God is blessing others, especially those people God is using to be a blessing to you, do not be bitter but rather rejoice.  (No crab mentality).
• Because if you have the wrong attitude you will lose God’s blessings. 

THE CALL TO BE GRATEFUL – GOD’S COMMAND AND PURPOSE

• God wants us to be grateful always, to focus on the bright side of life.  Phil. 4:4,6.  
• God wants us to be victorious always, thankful in every situation. 1 Thes. 5: 18.
• When we have the attitude of praise and thanksgiving, we express our faith to God. Romans 8: 28.
• We are to be thankful to God even in hard times (Jer. 17: 5-9).
• Our attitude of contentment and gratitude is seen in our submission and humility. (James 4: 6; Phil. 2: 13-14).
• God is pleased to see our faith and fruitfulness (John 15:8, Heb. 11: 6; Gal. 5: 22-23). 

THE REASON OF OUR GRATITUDE – GOD’S GOODNESS

• God is good, His mercy endures forever.  (1 Chron. 16:34)
• God is good because he provided salvation for us, Rom. 5: 8
• God is good because He is a good giver.
• Matthew 7:7-11
  • Ask and it shall be given you
  • If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more is your Father which is in heaven….
• God continue to bestow His goodness to us through the many opportunities He is giving us. 
• The reason for God to withdraw His blessings on you is the attitude of pride and resistance.
• When God sends you blessings, and you are unhappy of God’s blessings for you. 
• Your sinful actions and lack of faith will hinder God’s blessings.  (Like Israelites at Canaan)
• Psalm 84: 11

THE RIGHT CHOICE – A LIFE OF GRATITUDE

• Problems are either God’s correction or trials.
  • If trials then we should be joyful (James 1:2-4)
  • If correction or discipline, we should submit, Heb. 12: 5-9. 
• Sometimes we do not have the choice in our circumstances in life, but we can choose to have the right attitude.  (Heb. 12: 15). 
• When we have the right attitude, we are not that complaining and grumbling type. 
• We are patient, loving, and respectful toward others. 
• Despite our shortcomings, God is good to us. 
• The best way is to see our shortcomings than be self-righteous and faultfinding.
• A holier than thou attitude can blind you. 
• We must see ourselves as unworthy yet desiring to serve God, Luke 17: 10. 
• Dedicate ourselves to God and pray for others
• Be thankful to the Lord always, for His mercies and forgiveness.
• Thank God for the people He is using as a channel of blessings.
• Thank God for the preaching of His words, don’t get offended.
• Thank God for the pastors He is using for the progress of the works.
• Thank God for the corrections.
• Thank God for everything, 1 Thes. 5: 18. 

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

(John 15:8)

THE MEANING OF FRUITS

FRUITS REFER TO THE SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE OR CHARACTER PRODUCED BY THE SPIRIT

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

(James 3:17)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.(Galatians 5:22-23)

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (Ephesians 5:9)

REQUISITE OF

The Requisite – Repentance

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (Matthew 3:8)

MANIFESTATION OF

The Manifestation of the Real Person

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:20)

The manifestation of a change within

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Luke 6:43)

RESULT OF

The result of hearing and understanding

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

(Matthew 13:23)

The result of constant communion with God

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)

The result of walking in the Spirit

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:17-18)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

EVIDENT IN

Submissive Character

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. (Numbers 14:24)

Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. (Numbers 14:29-30)

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

(1 Corinthians 16:15-16)

SPIRITUAL MATURITY

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

(1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

(Hebrews 5:11-14)

FRUITS REFER ALSO TO SOULS WON TO THE LORD

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16)

THE PURPOSE OF FRUITS

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND MATURITY

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10)

SPIRITUAL SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT OF TALENTS

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (1 Corinthians 12:1)

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:4)

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.(1 Corinthians 12:7)

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

(Romans 12:6-8)

SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.(2 Timothy 2:2)

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.(John 15:16)

SPIRITUAL PURPOSE OF GOD’S GLORIFICATION

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11)

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:19-21)

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)

CONCLUSION

We glorify God by our fruits in the ministry when

• Our motive of service is not self-glorification
• There is love for God
• We manifest the fruits of the Spirit in our lives
• There is humility in our service
• We are growing in character such as patience, humility, kindness, forgiving, forbearing, etc.
• When we duplicate our godly character in the lives of others.
• We are involved in soul winning and discipleship
• We are growing spiritually, numerically, and qualitatively

1 John 2:3-11

(3)  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

(4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

(5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

(6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

(7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

(8)  Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

(9)  He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

(10)  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

(11)  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Text: 1 John 2:3–11

Introduction

• Every believer desires assurance—How do I know that I truly know God?
• John answers this question in 1 John 2:3–11.
• He shows us that knowing God is not about mere words or feelings, but about obedience, walking like Christ, and loving others.
• This passage is both a test and an encouragement: it reveals whether our faith is genuine and points us toward the light of Christ.

I. Evidence of Knowing God (vv. 3–5a)

“Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

Key Point: True knowledge of God is demonstrated by obedience.

Sub-points:

Obedience is not optional but essential.

• It is not essential for our salvation, but for our growth. (2 Peter 3:18)
• It is a manifestation of true relationship with God. (John 14:15)
• It is a proof that we truly understand the truth.

Claiming to know God without obedience is self-deception. James 1:22

• You claim to be a Christian, but you do not obey His word.
• You hear the word preached, but ignore it, thinking it is for others.
• You think you know a lot, but you do not apply the truth.

God’s love is perfected in those who obey.

(5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

What “Love of God Perfected” means.

• The phrase points to the maturing and growth of God’s love in the believer’s life. It’s not about God’s love being incomplete, but about His love reaching its intended goal in us.
• Obedience as the proof of love When we keep God’s Word, our obedience shows that His love is not just received but is actively shaping us. Love is perfected when it moves from theory to practice.
• Perfected = brought to maturity / completion The Greek word teleioō means “to bring to completion, to accomplish, to mature.”
• God’s love is “perfected” when it accomplishes its purpose—transforming us into Christlike obedience and love.
• Love in action – It’s not enough to say “I love God.”
• Love is perfected when it expresses itself in obedience, humility, and love toward others. This is the visible fruit of God’s love at work.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

II. Walking as Christ Walked (v. 6)

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

Key Point: Christ is the model of obedience and love.

Sub-points:

Abiding in Christ means imitating His life.

• Jesus is an example of humility (Philippians 2)
• Jesus modeled submission to the Father. “…not my will but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

Our walk must reflect His humility, compassion, and holiness.

• Ask yourself, “Am I being Christ-like”?
• “Do I act as if I am better than others?”

Discipleship is not just belief but lifestyle.

• Is Jesus seen in your life? (Matthew 5: 16).
• Are you showing a humble, Christ-like character? (Gal.2:20)

III. The Old and New Commandment (vv. 7–8)

“I write no new commandment… Again, a new commandment I write unto you.”

Key Point: Love is both timeless and renewed in Christ.

Sub-points:

Old: Love God and neighbor (Law of Moses).

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)

New: Love as Christ loved (sacrificial, unconditional).

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

• Faith in the love of Christ is important.
• Do not think of yourself, or live for yourself, but think of Christ.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24)

The true light now shines—love is illuminated by Christ’s example.

(8)  Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

• If Christ is truly in you, you will understand the truth.
• You have the Holy Spirit to help you understand.
• Why live in the dark when you have the light shining.
• The true light shineth, that means there is hope and guidance.
• Mahirap maglakad sa dilim, madapa ka. 

IV. The Test of Love (vv. 9–11)

“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”

Key Point: Love for others is the proof of living in the light.

Sub-points:

Hatred reveals spiritual blindness and darkness.

• Hate is the work of the devil.
• Hatred causes people to do evil.
• Hatred leads to depression, bitterness, and misery.

Loving others shows we abide in the light and avoid stumbling.

• When we choose to love, instead of hate we abide in the light.
• Some people will cause us to hate, when their hearts is full of envy.
• But we must choose to obey God. 
• Obedience to God demonstrates our trust in Him.
• Loving others is helping others to grow in Him, avoid stumbling.
  • Fall into sin and mistakes.
  • Love is concerned for their correction and growth.
  • Discipline is love.

The absence of love leads to spiritual darkness and destruction.

• Examine yourself
• To know where you are lacking is growth. 
• Growth when you seek God, ask Him to change you. 

✨ Conclusion & Application

• To know God is to obey Him.
• To abide in Christ is to walk as He walked.
• To live in the light is to love one another.
• Practical challenge: Examine your obedience, your walk, and your love—are they reflecting Christ?

CEBUANO PREACHING ON EVIDENCE OF KNOWING GOD

Preached by E. Jardinel @Prayer Meeting, 12-03-25

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

The church of Corinth, now lying bleeding in the wound:

• Carnality

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

• Schism

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (1 Corinthians 3:3-4)

Apostle Paul, applying a solution to the problem as he said: (1 Cor. 1: 10).

BESEECH –  To beg for urgently or anxiously; to request earnestly

BRETHREN – One family in the Lord, expresses affection and relationship. 

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? (Acts 7:26)

There is concern:

So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. (Genesis 45:24)

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.(Acts 16:28)

I. PAUL APPEALS FOR UNITY IN THE NAME OF CHRIST

Christ’s desire and prayer is unity in the truth (John 17; Psa. 133:1)

• The church is to be the light of the world, Matthew 5: 16.
• The church is to be a testimony to the world.
• The church is to bring the gospel to all nations, Mat. 28: 18-20.
• Church members, working together will accomplish great things.  “United we stand, divided we fall”. 
  • Eph.4: 16 – Like a body that increases its ability.
  • Phil. 1: 27 – Striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Disunity brings disadvantages and consequences to the church

• It affects the testimony and influence of the church, Matthew 5: 16
• It causes the church to suffer, discourages the brethren, especially the weak. 

1 Cor. 12:21-26

• It slows or hinders the growth and progress, (Gal. 5: 15; 19-23).

Paul urges not by his name but by the name of Christ (1 Cor. 3: 4-5)

• Christ taught love, peace, unity (John 17; 13:35).
• God’s desire, Psalm 133: 1
• God is grieved by division. (Eph.4:30). 
• By our love for Jesus. (Mark 12: 30-31; John 14:15)

II. PAUL APPEALS FOR THEM TO SPEAK THE SAME THING.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:(Titus 2:1)

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (Titus 2:7-8)

• This requires study of God’s words, 2 Tim. 2: 15, John 5: 39.
• This requires teachability, 2 Tim. 2: 2 ; James 1: 19.
• This requires humility, Phil. 2:2-5
• This requires wisdom, James 3:13-18
• This requires love, Eph. 4: 15, 16, 29, 31-32.

III. PAUL APPEALS TO THEM THAT THEY BE PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER. 

To be perfectly joined together requires submission.

• Submission to God first of all, James 4: 7; 1:22
• Submission to the leader or pastor, Heb 13: 17; 1 Cor. 16:15-16
  • Submission to a leader if he is submissive also to biblical leadership. 
  • A good leader is a good follower.
• Submission to the husband as it is fit, Eph. 5: 22; 1 Cor. 11:3
• Obedience to Parents in the Lord, Eph. 6:1
• Subjection to government, Romans 13:1-2

To be perfectly joined together requires correction

• The Bible is to correct us, 2 Tim. 3: 16-17. 
• Correction will lead to wisdom, maturity, and development of ability. Prov. 10:17; 17:10-11; 9:7-10; 12:1;13:1.
• The duty of the pastor is to preach the word, teach, exhort, rebuke, correct through the word of God.  (2 Tim. 4:1-5; Titus 2: 15).
• Members are also to search the Scriptures if the preaching is in the Bible (Acts 17:11; John 5: 39).

To be perfectly joined together requires spirituality

• There is always a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, Gal. 5: 17.
• We need to walk in the Spirit and not be controlled by the flesh, Gal. 5: 16; Eph. 5: 18.

III. PAUL APPEALS TO THEM TO HAVE THE SAME MIND AND JUDGMENT.

• The Bible speaks of Judge not, Matthew 7: 1-3. 1 Cor. 4:5
• Man is always guilty of making wrong judgment.     
• Gossiping, slandering are oftentimes caused by carnality, hatred, envy, jealousy, etc.  (Gal. 5:13-17, 20-21)
• It causes conflicts and problems.  James 4: 1-3
• The problem of judgmental spirit or critical spirit is lack of maturity.
• Romans 12: 3, James 1: 19; James 2: 13;
• The Bible speaks of righteous judgment, John 7:24
• When leaders make decisions, they are judging. Moses, Solomon.
• The church is also to judge, 1 Cor. 6: 2,3 ; 5: 12 ; Mat 18: 15-17.

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LEVELS OF FRIENDSHIP
(with Scriptural Support)

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1. ACQUAINTANCE

Initial connection and kindness toward others.

• Be alert to new people around you. — “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
• Maintain a cheerful and approachable countenance — smile. — “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” (Proverbs 15:13)
• Learn and remember his name; greet him personally. — “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” (John 10:14)
• Ask simple, appropriate questions to show acceptance. — “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
• Be a good listener. — “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” (James 1:19)
• Remind yourself of God’s love and interest for him. — “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

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2. CASUAL FRIENDSHIP

Building trust through openness and care.

• Discover his strengths and good qualities. — “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, … honest, … just, … pure, … think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
• Learn about his hopes, desires, and goals. — “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” (Proverbs 20:5)
• Ask thoughtful, personal questions to understand better. — “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5, NIV)
• Show concern when he shares struggles. — “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
• Be honest about yourself; admit faults when appropriate. — “Confess your faults one to another.” (James 5:16)
• Demonstrate trustworthiness and reliability. — “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
• Pray for him and his needs. — “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” (James 5:16)

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3. CLOSE FRIENDSHIP

Encouraging growth and walking together in life.

• Recognize and affirm his potential. — “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
• Discuss his life goals and purpose. — “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)
• Encourage him to pursue these goals. — “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
• Discern obstacles hindering his progress. — “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 22:3)
• Support him in overcoming challenges. — “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
• Inspire and motivate him toward good works. — “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
• Encourage with Scripture. — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

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4. INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP

Deep accountability, loyalty, and spiritual sharpening.

• Offer comfort during trials and sorrows. — “Comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
• Protect his reputation. — “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1)
• Be sensitive to areas needing growth in both yourself and him. — “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
• Help identify root causes of weaknesses. — “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
• Encourage correction and accountability, inviting him to speak into your life also. — “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Proverbs 27:6)
• Search Scripture together for solutions. — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
• Commit to loyalty, faithfulness, and availability. — “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)