Our friends are more understanding than we think we know ourselves. And sometimes our friendships may feel more complicated because we are either not honest with each other, not loyal when things get tough, or we put way too many expectations our friendships.
What about your friends? Just saying this phrase reminds me of the popular 90s girl group TLC hit song called "What about your friends". The song talks about having friendship and whether are not are your friends' loyal by standing their ground when things get a little crazy. Will your friends' let you down or will they be around when things in life get difficult? Are you loyal? Are you around when things get difficult with your friends? What kind of friend are you?
Why is having friendships important?
Friendships are important to have because we build connections with our friends to share common interest and purpose in life. These are the relationships we often seek companionship or belonging. We need friendships in life because the friends we have support us through difficult times and as well the most exciting parts of our lives.
Why is building Godly friendships important?
Godly friendships sharpen each other. (Probers 27:17) They help or keep you accountable and encourage you to have a consistent prayer life and spiritual relationship with your Heavenly Father. (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 16-17) Godly friendships build each others character up with purpose and truth. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Godly friendships speak truth into your life even when it’s difficult to hear. (Ephesians 4:25) A true friend will love you at all times. (Proverbs 17:17) True friends encourage us to obey God at all times. Godly friendships are based on mutual respect, trust, faith, love, encouragement, and love for God. (Matthew 22:39)
What makes a good friend?
A good friend is someone who cares to listen with intent to understand, love without judging you, forgive without expectations, and honest without holding back.
What a friend we have in Jesus! He is the perfect example of what a true friend we should all be encouraged to be.
Over the past years I've realized I haven't been the best of friend at times. As I've got older I've learned from my mistakes on how I being more vulnerable and honest about how I feel when its difficult to share my feelings. I have also learned, when someone has not been a friend to me, I've learned to forgive others without expecting anything in return. Instead of walking a way from a problem in my friendships, first seek to find resolution instead of turning my back and never looking back. These are areas in my friendship I've struggled with in the past, but I'm more wiser than I was yesterday about the mistakes I did. Now looking forward I can make wiser and healthier connections with the friendships I have today. And I'm glad, that I have a closer friend with Jesus than I have ever had to truly understand what it means to be a true friend to others.
Scripture to remember about friendship:
You are My friends if you do what I command you.- John 15:14
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. - John 15:15
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17