14 Truths About Friendship~May Patterson

 

”There are “friends” who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. “

Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)

What makes a true friend? Someone really funny? A trusted co-worker? A running buddy? How do acquaintances make the jump to being close friends? Deep friendships develop when both friends share honestly from the heart.

While friendship meets our social needs, God designed it for a greater purpose. He weaves friends together like a fabric to provide strength and stability for our lives. God uses friendship as a pathway for His blessings and care. He provides for us through our friends when we need it most.

The following list contains truths about friendship. If you have a good friend like this, be grateful. If not, try to become the kind of friend who is willing to make the jump from being an acquaintance to “sticking closer than a brother.”

 

14 Truths About Friendship

1. Friends are a great blessing. Thank God for them, regularly.
2. Life gets busy, but good friends make time for each other.
3. Friends look for ways to bless each other’s children—this honors the friendship.
4. True friends pray regularly for each other’s families, showing concern for them physically and spiritually.
5. A good friend is a good encourager, taking an interest in our life, talents, ministry, dreams and work.
6. Good friends give and take. A “take only” friend does not enrich our life and ultimately the relationship doesn’t last.
7. Good friends make an effort to be the best friend they can be, even though that looks different for each friend.
8. Good friends are real. Being our authentic self is endearing. Presenting a “my life is ideal” front actually prevents others from drawing close.
9. Good friends have other good friends and that is okay. Friendship isn’t a competition or exclusive of others.
10. True friends aren’t high maintenance—they are easy to be around.
11. Good friends are respectful: they don’t guilt or manipulate each other into agreement or favors.
12. Good friends apologize when they cross the line, or even when they get near it.
13. Friends are imperfect, expect them to disappoint you occasionally and then be quick to forgive, whether they ask for forgiveness or not.
14. A real friend gives expecting nothing in return, no strings attached. True friends will reciprocate, as they are able.

The best way to be a better friend is by first being a friend to Jesus Christ. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we learn how to better relate to others. The Lord cares about our friendships—we don’t work them out alone. He supplies the love that we need to be a good friend and to make some.

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.” Author Unknown

Prayer: Lord, teach us how to be a better friend, glorifying you in each relationship. Supply the love we need to love others like you do.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has Jesus been a friend to you, specifically?

2. Pray about your relationships this week. How could you be a better friend?

Treasure Hunt:

Ec. 4:9-10

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

John 15:12-13

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

 

Faith in Action:

Focus on deepening relationships

About the Author: May Patterson

May Patterson, author of the book A Time to Seek, began writing in response to God’s grace. And by His grace, she has written magazine articles, Bible studies, and spoken at a variety of events. Her desire is to help people draw closer to God. May is married to her dear friend Mike and they have three grown children. She has a great love for the outdoors, travel and blogging at http://maypatterson.tumblr.com

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