going gets tough. They are not “fair weather” friends. Some of you here can tell of friends who stood by you at difficult times in your life.
*Friends take steps to honor the friendship - 18:4
-What have you given to honor a friend? When we left Chambersburg to come here, we had a friend named Jeff over to the house. He had been a good friend, and I wanted to do something to honor his friendship. I knew he liked black onyx, so I gave him a gold ring with a black onyx stone that I wore. That same night he brought along a gift for me - a black watch that he had that he wanted me to have. I wear it each day and think of him.

*Friends look out for one another - 19:1-2
-How much do you look out for the interests of your friend? Do you care the problems they are facing? Are you willing to speak up when you see a problem?
Prov. 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

*Friends rejoice when their friends succeed - 19:4-5
-Jonathan wasn’t afraid to speak up for his friend. He rejoiced in the victory God had given David. Even though he knew David would one day be king, the role due Jonathan by birth, he befriended David.
-If your friend gets the promotion or new car, but you don’t, do you still rejoice?

*Friends help friends resolve their problems - 19:7 -Jonathan brought resolution to the conflict of his father and David.

*Friends encourage one another - 20:1-2 -
-If you are a good friend, you will seek to bring encouragement when your friends are down

*Friends are not afraid to express their friendship - 20:41 -We recently saw George England at Sam’s club. We talked for a few minutes and before we left, I gave George a hug. We live in a society where we are afraid to show friendship. The Christians were told to greet one another with a holy kiss.
*Friends encourage one another in the Lord
- 23:16 - And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him to find strength in God.
-The true test of a friend is how they affect your walk with Christ.

*Friends allow their friendship to flow out to others
-2 Sam. 9:1-7 -
If you will be a friend, others will reap the benefits. This morning ask who all has received a blessing because of the friendships you hold.

****Friendship is not about what you get - it’s about what you give. It’s not about someone loving you - it’s about commitment to others and those they love. It’s about extending your love beyond yourself.

II. How do you make friends?
1. Know what friendship is - We have talked a lot about friendship today. Really what it is, is love. Jesus didn’t say much about friendship, but he talked a lot about love. Jesus said, [Jn 13:35] - By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
- To really be a friend, to really love, you must know the one who is love, God.
John 15:13 - Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
-God showed his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Most Americans know the story of Jesus - but many still have not made the choice to commit their life to him and accept him as Savior. Only by personally receiving Christ can anyone have his sins forgiven and be saved and really be a true friend to others.

2. Try to BE a friend - -Prov. 18:24 -
A man