Developing Long-Term Relationships

“Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers” (Proverbs 18:24 TEV).

The Bible gives us six building blocks for developing long-term relationships:

1. We must be considerate. “People want others to be loyal, so it is better to be poor than to be a liar” (Proverbs 19:22 NCV).

2. We must be confidential. “No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy” (Proverbs 11:13 TEV).

3. We must be candid. “An honest answer is a sign of true friendship” (Proverbs 24:26 TEV).

4. We must be constructive. “People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 TEV).

5. We must be consistent. “Friends always show their love. What are relatives for if not to share trouble?” (Proverbs 17:17 TEV).

6. We must be committed. “Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers” (Proverbs 18:24 TEV).

The point is obvious: You will attract whatever you are!

Rick Warren