The Heart of a Friend Sunday 28th June 2009

You can listen to the "Heart of a Friend" message by clicking here (or right-click to download) (by Dave Vinall, 34 mins).

The Story of David
Read 1 Samuel chapters 20 to 23.

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Acquaintances
After a busy week how do you like to recharge your batteries? Would you rather meet up with a group of friends, or be with just one or two people, or be alone? What does this tell you about your personal level for friendship? What are the advantages or disadvantages of being like this?

This week try to practice friendliness. You don’t need to chat to everyone you see, just try to take a small step out of your comfort zone, whether that is smiling at someone, chatting to your neighbour or speaking to a stranger.

Friends
How many friends do you have? How does this fit with your personality type (as looked at above)? What do you feel marks the line between someone being an acquaintance and a friend?

How are you a good friend to people? How could you be a better friend to people?

Covenant Friends
Do you have anyone who you would say is a covenant friend? If so, do they know?

Read Proverbs 27:6. Has a friend ever told you something painful about yourself? How did you handle it? Have you ever had to ask tough questions of a friend? How did you do it? How would you do it next time?

Think about who fulfils the role of a covenant friend in your life. Talk to them about it. If there’s no one, who could do it? If you still are unsure ask God to provide someone.

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