Sunday
February 12
1. A HIGH PROFESSION
a. What type of person becomes a friend of the King of kings? Proverbs 22:11; John 15:14, 15.
b. Describe the duties of a genuine friend. Proverbs 6:1-3; 17:17.
c. What are some qualities of a good friend? Proverbs 25:17; 27:10, 14; Isaiah 58:7.
All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. Let us ever be channels through which shall flow the refreshing waters of compassion.-The Ministry of Healing, p. 158.
Monday
February 13
2. TOO OFTEN FALLING SHORT
a. How is familiarity often mistaken for friendship and fellowship in the church, and how only can we escape God's punishment upon those who end up causing such pain and confusion among the believers? Jeremiah 20:10, 11.
Is it honorable, or even honest, to win from the lips of another, under the guise of friendship, secrets which have been entrusted to him, and then turn the knowledge thus gained to his injury? Is it Christian charity to gather up every floating report, to unearth everything that will cast suspicion on the character of another, and then take delight in using it to injure him? Satan exults when he can defame or wound a follower of Christ. He is 'the accuser of our brethren' (Revelation 12:10). Shall Christians aid him in his work? . . .
True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and deficiencies of others."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 95, 96.
Floating rumors are frequently the destroyers of unity among brethren. There are some who watch with open mind and ears to catch flying scandal. They gather up little incidents which may be trifling in themselves, but which are repeated and exaggerated until a man is made an offender for a word. Their motto seems to be, 'Report, . . . and we will report it' (Jeremiah 20:10). These tale-bearers are doing the devil's work with surprising fidelity, little knowing how offensive their course is to God. If they would spend half the energy and zeal that is given to this unholy work in examining their own hearts, they would find so much to do to cleanse their souls from impurity that they would have no time or disposition to criticize their brethren, and they would not fall under the power of this temptation. The door of the mind should be closed against 'they say' or 'I have heard.' Why should we not, instead of allowing jealousy or evil-surmising to come into our hearts, go to our brethren and, after frankly but kindly setting before them the things we have heard detrimental to their character and influence, pray with and for them? While we cannot love and fellowship those who are the bitter enemies of Christ, we should cultivate that spirit of meekness and love that characterized our Master-a love that thinketh no evil and is not easily provoked.-The Review and Herald, June 3, 1884.
b. Christ could rightfully be disappointed by the friendship He received from mere human sources. Why? Matthew 26:45-50, 55, 56.
Tuesday
February 14
3. LEARNING FROM JOB
a. After listening to all that his friends poured in his ears at the time of his tragedies and illness, what was Job finally constrained to declare? Job 16:1-3.
b. How may we too often be like Job's friends? Proverbs 26:6, 9, 17.
A glance, a word, even an intonation of the voice, may be vital with falsehood, sinking like a barbed arrow into some heart, inflicting an incurable wound. Thus a doubt, a reproach, may be cast upon one by whom God would accomplish a good work, and his influence is blighted, his usefulness destroyed. Among some species of animals, if one of their number is wounded and falls, he is at once set upon and torn in pieces by his fellows. The same cruel spirit is indulged by men and women who bear the name of Christians. They manifest a pharisaical zeal to stone others less guilty than themselves. There are some who point to others' faults and failures to divert attention from their own, or to gain credit for great zeal for God and the church.-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 59.
What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. These are often the result of envy or misunderstanding, or they may proceed from exaggeration or a partial disclosure of facts. Jealousy and suspicion, once allowed a place, will sow themselves broadcast, like thistledown. Should a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the infinite price which Christ has paid for his redemption. In this way you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.-Ibid., pp. 58, 59.
c. What would Job have done differently had his friends been the ones facing the tragedies? Job 16:4, 5.
d. How and why did God ultimately honor Job's attitude? Job 42:10.
Wednesday
February 15
4. A WORD OF CAUTION
a. In pursuing friends, what restraint must we exert? Luke 16:13; James 4:4.
b. Why is this a principle? Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5 (second half); 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Between the worldly man and the one who is faithfully serving God, there is a great gulf fixed. Upon the most momentous subjects-God and truth and eternity-their thoughts and sympathies and feelings are not in harmony. One class is ripening as wheat for the garner of God, the other as tares for the fires of destruction. How can there be unity of purpose or action between them? [James 4:4; Matthew 6:24 quoted.] . . .
Christians who connect themselves with worldly associations are injuring themselves as well as misleading others. Those who fear God cannot choose the ungodly for companions and remain themselves unharmed. In worldly societies they are brought under the influence of worldly principles and customs, and through the power of association and habit the mind becomes more and more conformed to the worldling's standard. Their love for God grows cold, and they have no desire for communion with Him. They become spiritually blind. They can see no particular difference between the transgressor of God's law and those who fear God and keep His commandments. . . . O, it is an easy thing, by association with the world, to catch the spirit of the world, to be molded by a false view of things! . . .
When men are under the control of the world and not of the Spirit of God, they are captives of Satan, and we know not to what lengths he may lead them in sin.-The Review and Herald, August 25, 1910.
The enemy does not always come as a roaring lion; he frequently appears as an angel of light, assuming friendly airs, presenting peculiar temptations which it is difficult for the inexperienced to withstand. Sometimes he accomplishes his purpose of deluding the unwary by exciting the pity of their sympathetic natures, and presenting himself before them as a righteous being who has been persecuted without a cause.-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 207.
Thursday
February 16
5. DEVELOPING CHRISTLIKE FRIENDSHIP
a. How can we make a significant difference in someone's life by befriending him or her? Jude 21-23; James 5:20.
When you see one wandering away from the fold, go to him, and try to turn him back. With a meek and loving spirit, show him that you are his true friend, and that in telling him of his errors you are actuated by love for his soul. Work diligently, brethren; for these souls, if saved, will be our companions around the throne of God.-The Signs of the Times, May 18, 1888.
b. Why must we beware lest our friendships with some persons actually end up causing injury and hurt to others? 1 Timothy 5:21; James 3:17.
c. How can we summarize true friendship? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; John 15:13.
Speak often words that will be a strength and an inspiration to those who hear. We are altogether too indifferent in regard to one another. We forget that our fellow laborers are often in need of words of hope and cheer. When one is in trouble, call upon him and speak comforting words to him. This is true friendship.-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 928.
Friday
February 17
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What surrounds us, and how can we bring the smile of angels in our midst?
2. How are the notions of church fellowship and friendship often misunderstood?
3. Why is Job's attitude such an inspiration to us?
4. When can friendship become a snare?
5. What does Christian charity encompass?