Anyone who has been in the Church of God for any time values the friends they think they have made in the church and believes that they will stick by you no matter what happens in life. That might be until you either leave the church or are kicked out by some ludicrous claim by a so-called minister or church leader. Then you quickly learn that those so-called friends are merely only acquaintances. Very few if any continue friendships with those who have been kicked out of teh church due to the draconian rules of control the church has over members. With veiled threats of losing one's salvation if you dare to talk to ex-members, even when passing in supermarkets. Many will see former friends and watch them quickly go to another aisle so that they do not have to talk with each other.
Living Church of God has this up on friendship. It is a strange read considering the number of families and relations broken up by the church and Rod Meredith over the decades. Yet, they have this to say:
Foundations of Friendship: We all want to have friends, yet, sometimes we lack the skills to achieve this goal. However, the Bible provides us with important keys. Solomon wrote that to have friends, we must be friendly (Proverbs 18:24), we must treat people with kindness and have pure motives (Proverbs 22:11), and support others in their time of need (Proverbs 17:17). True friends will tell you the truth and offer wise counsel; they will not use flattery or spread gossip (Proverbs 27:6–17). Real friends are gracious, hospitable, and concerned about the needs of others (Acts 27:3). True friendship involves being willing to make personal sacrifices for others who have needs—Jesus was willing to lay down His life for people He called His friends (John 15:13). Jesus said we can become His friends—if we follow His instructions and His example (John 15:14). This is how Abraham became a friend of God (James 2:23). Let’s strive to become kind, caring, and friendly Christians.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
