Godly friendships

Marc Reeves, makes a stab at defining godly friendship in his commentary on the lesson, “Cultivate Godly Friendships.” I learned to value proactive teaming at work, so I particularly liked the part, “It is a friendship that is looking out for what is best for the other person.”

First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois posted their question based lesson plan, which I reproduced below (their link is not sticky). I liked the question, “When is the last time you made a new friend?”

-Let's begin class by sharing our names and telling the class the name of your childhood friend.
-What is the nicest thing a friend has ever done for you?
-When is the last time you made a new friend?
-What does it mean in a Christian's life to have godly friendships? What qualities attract you to other Christians who become your close friends?
-Have you ever seen a friend excel in something you also were striving to achieve? How did that make you feel?
-Jonathan was a logical choice to follow his father, King Saul, to the throne, how do you think he felt about David?
-How did Jonathan describe his relationship with David?
-Have you ever openly or privately promised your best friend something? Did you keep your promise? Have you been promised something by your friend? Did they keep their promise?
-Why do you think Jonathan gave his robe and other gifts to David? How do you think Jonathan came to handle this situation so spiritually?
-Have ever had the opportunity to defend a friend? Briefly, what was the situation?
-Jonathan took a huge risk in defending David to his father, could you have done the same?
-Can defending a friend prove to be costly to you? Is the friendship worth the cost? Would your friend do the same for you? How can you be sure?
-What role does God play in establishing friendships in your life? Is God in all your friendships?
-Take a close look at 1Samuel 20:8; what two favors did David ask of Jonathan?
Look at verses 12 & 13; David literally put his life in Jonathan's hands. What did Jonathan have to lose by keeping his covenant with David?
-Of the three men in this lesson, Saul, Jonathan, & David, who do you identify with the most? Why?
-The scriptures say that Jonathan encouraged David; how can you encourage a friend in their faith?
-When you offer your support and encouragement to a friend is it like laying down your life for them? If not, should it be?-As we close in prayer, let's go around the room and say the first name of your best friend, lift that friend up to God in a simple one sentence prayer.