God's Gifts
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
John 15:13-15; Prov. 27:5-17; 1 Sam. 18:1-4
“An Odd Couple”
You never know where you'll find a good friend. Like classic TV's Felix and Oscar, Pixar's Woody and Buzz, or Scripture's David and Jonathan, sometimes we find ourselves in an Odd Couple, a surprising friendship that somehow works. We don't measure friendships by what we have in common but by faithfulness, fondness, and memories. Our victories mean more; our misfortunes a little less when shared (Rom. 12:15). God gives many gifts, but few more precious than the people who care about us. Those bonds are worth strengthening.
Through consistent acts of loyal love, we stockpile trust that friends draw on for a lifetime.
THE BIG IDEA
We invest in friendships like money in the bank; the currency is kindness. As Paulo Coelho said, "friendship isn't a big thing — it's a million little things." Brick by brick, we build lasting bonds by being available, discrete, and willing to listen. If you want friendship, you act like a friend. Imitate Timothy's genuine concern (Phil. 2:20-21) and Ruth's devotion (Ruth 1:5-19). "But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up" (Eccl. 4:10).
Quality beats quantity every time in friendship — better one reliable friend than hundreds who disappear when you need them (Prov. 18:24). A friend "loves at all times;" they're built for "adversity" (Prov. 17:17). They know "the real you" and love you anyway. So their "earnest counsel" tastes sweeter (Prov. 27:9), and even their "wounds" are "faithful" (Prov. 27:6).
You have the makings of a "soul-knit" friend (1 Sam. 18:1) when someone, like Jonathan, strengthens your hands in God (1 Sam. 23:16-17). Friends care about more than your happiness (1 Cor. 13:6)! They "pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul" (3 John 2).
Jesus wants friendship with us (John 15:13-15), like God's faithful friends before us (James 2:23; Ex. 33:11; Job 29:4). So, friendship, like many of the greatest gifts, can last forever.
Who in your life needs encouragement and connection?
THE BIG QUESTION
Friendship
Strengthen the Bonds of Friendship
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “An Odd Couple” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
How would you tell a friend they had something stuck in their teeth?
ACT I
Finding Jesus — 3 John
Where do you see Jesus in this passage?What does this passage teach you of the character, work, and reign of Christ?What can we learn from this text about friends?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
Favorite Things — Friendship
One way to gratefully appreciate God’s gift of friendship, is to notice all its wonderful aspects.
Use the questions below to help you identify two or three “favorite things” about friendship. What character traits do you value most in a great friend?What memories stand out to you about times with friends?How have friends made a difference in your life?What has Scripture taught you about friendship? Any examples or verses come to mind?Is there anything that’s particularly special about our friendships in Christ?
My Favorite Things about Friendship:
1.2.3.ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
When did you need a friend and when were you glad you had one?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Make a list of a few friends you're thankful for and pray for them.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: “Lord, help us to be friends who love at all times, and give us friends for the day
of adversity” (cf. Prov. 17:17).NEXT SESSION — Excellence
Prepare by reading Phil. 1:9-11; 2 Cor. 8:7; Dan. 5:12-14