1. “MAKING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS LAST!”

2. Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

4. 1. BE COMMITTED Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

5. 1. BE COMMITTED Proverbs 18:24 GNB Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.

6. 2. BE CONSIDERATE Proverbs 17:9 He who covers over an offence promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

7. 2. BE CONSIDERATE Proverbs 17:9 (MSG) Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

8. 3. BE CONFIDENTIAL Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Proverbs 16:28 A gossip separates close friends.

9. 4. BE CANDID Proverbs 27:5,6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted…”

10. 4. BE CANDID Proverbs 24:26 (GNB) An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship.

11. 4. BE CANDID Proverbs 24:26 (NIV) An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

12. 4. BE CANDID 3 INSIGHTS ON HOW TO BE CANDID WITH YOUR FRIENDS. –You Compliment in public and correct in private! –You never rebuke a friend until you have proven you are open to rebuke from them! Criticism is a 2 way street!! –You correct them when they are up not when they are down!

13. 4. BE CANDID Proverbs 27:9 The pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

14. 5. BE CONSTRUCTIVE Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

15. 5. BE CONSTRUCTIVE Proverbs 12:26 (GNB) A righteous man chooses his friends carefully.Proverbs 12:26 (GNB) A righteous man chooses his friends carefully.

16. 5. BE CONSTRUCTIVE 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Bad company corrupts good character."1 Corinthians 15:33 "Bad company corrupts good character."

17. 6. BE CONSISTENT Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

19. APPLICATION & ACTION 1. Find one person to build a close friendship with... 2. Find a person outside of a relationship with Christ and build relationship with them...