2. FRIENDSHIP Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father (Prov. 27:10) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Prov. 17:17)

3. FRIENDSHIP All relationships come with certain expectations.

4. FRIENDSHIP They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship (Psalm 109:5). Do not trust in a neighbor. Do not have confidence in a friend (Micah 7:5a). Written at a time when people were selfish and could not be trusted.

5. FRIENDSHIP Expectations HONESTY TRUST PATIENCE COMMUNICATION

6. FRIENDSHIP Expectations COMMUNICATION

7. The Bible on Communication Do not speak against one another, brethren - James 4:11 If you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another – Gal. 5:15

8. The Bible on Communication Speaking the truth in love – Eph. 4:15 Let all slander be put away from you… and be kind to one another – Eph. 4:31-32

9. A dirty word … GOSSIP

10. Proverbs 11:13 - A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. FRIENDSHIP

11. When Does Gossip Occur? 1. When we tell or listen to something uncomplimentary about someone with the attitude of entertainment. 2. When we tell or listen to build up our own ego. 3. When we tell or listen to get revenge. 4. When we tell or listen for spite. 5. When we tell or listen to negative things “just to have something to do.”

12. What Does Gossip Do? 1.Perpetuates lies that ought to have died. 2.Damages character and makes innocent people suffer. 3.Pours gasoline on the body of Christ. 4.Usually one-sided, extremely prejudicial. 5.Reveals a lack of brotherly love. 6.ALWAYS DESTROYS FRIENDSHIPS.

13. Rumor is a pipe Blown by surmises, jealousies And conjectures. W. Shakespeare

14. What Causes Gossip? 1.Idleness. 1 Timothy 5:13-14. 2.Inability to CONTROL the tongue. - 1 Cor. 9:27. - Jas. 3:8 – Restless.

15. GODLY COMMUNICATION 1.Matthew 12:34 – Mouth speaks from that which fills heart. 2.Romans 12:1 – “Tongue” is part of sacrificed body! 3.Psalm 17:3b – “I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.” Predetermined attitude. 4.Matthew 5:13 -14 – I am ALWAYS influencing others.

16. 6 Considerations Before We Share Information 1.Is it corrupt? Eph. 4:29. 2.Is it true? Col. 4:6. 3.Is it privileged / private. Prov. 11:13 4.Why am I telling this? Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14. 5.Am I telling a person who can really help? Prov. 26:17. 6.Would I want this said about me? Matt. 7:12.

17. GOD(LY) SPEAK Love is much too pure and holy, Friendship is too sacred far…

18. “The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” Fill our hearts with love and devotion! GOD(LY) SPEAK