Faithful Friendships

Faithful Friendship / Author:  Cynthia Greene

God promises His Children “good gifts” (James 1:17), and one of those gifts is faithful friendships. Giving and receiving the gift of friendship is a blessing from God that brings enjoyment and richness into our lives.  Some friendships develop into stronger and deeper relationships than those we have with family members.

…but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)

Faithful friendships are based on the traits of Love that we read about in 1 Corinthians 13.  This kind of love is unconditional, self-sacrificing, compassionate, patient, and kind. Godly friendships are self-less and focus on showing out-going love, concern and care for each other.

God is the source of this Love and it is a gift given to us through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-2).  The love we give and express to others is evidence of our Godly character and our desire to “do all things for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).  

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you…. (John 13:34)

“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”(John 15:13).

Godly friendships understand that our Christian journey includes trials, hardships and adversities.  Faithful friends won’t abandon you in difficult times.

In Galatians 6:5 we read, “For each one shall bear his own load.”   This scripture reminds us that we cannot solve or fix other people’s problems. What we can offer is support, prayer and encouragement.  Scripture says  “…Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).  Pointing our friends to God’s word, wisdom and guidance is the best way we can help and serve them.

A joyful heart is good medicine… (Proverbs 17:22

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:9)

Building & Growing in Friendship

To sustain Godly friendships requires forgiveness.  In the book of Matthew we read, “…If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you…(Matthew 6:8-15). There will also be times that offenses will come which gives us an opportunity to choose not to be offended. 

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:12-13, NLT)

… be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Christian friends speak the truth.  True friends are more concerned about us being faithful in our walk with God and they will give advice and instruction that aligns with God’s Word.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.  (Proverbs 19:20)

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.  (Proverbs 27:17)

Friendships among Believers are very different than the world’s friendships.  God-centered friendships are a witness to others giving an example of how to live out the new commandment: “ … love one another as I have loved you…” (John 13:34).  People will notice how we treat our friends and it is a testament of God’s Way and His Love.

I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:34-35)

God showed His great love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)

Close friendships with fellow believers is a wonderful blessing in our lives.  These Christ-centered friendships are rooted in love grace, mercy, forgiveness and the shared goal of growing in the Grace and Knowledge of God’s truth.

Ways to Express Love to Our Friends

• Look for opportunities to show and express Love.
• Seek to serve instead of being served.
• Pray for God’s Love to grow in you.
• Give generously of your time and resources to help others.
• Pray God will guide and direct the paths of our friends.
• Offer Encouragement.
• Pray with your friend. Ask, “Can I pray for you?”
• Talk with your friends about the hope found in God’s Word.
• Offer forgiveness.
• Make the choice to not be offended.
• Apologize when needed.
• Pray that God gives you wisdom in what you say.
• Listen for understanding.
• Keep God at the center of our friendships.
• Put the needs of your friends first and show them unconditional love.
• Thank God for the friends He has placed in your life.
• Show gratitude toward those friends, “who love you like a brother”.
• Treasure these faithful God-centered friendships in your life.

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