Where could you experience sweeter felicity than with a close Christian friend? Perhaps you’re at a point in your life where you have run out of friends. Yet, we need real friends to rely on for advice, validation, empathy and support.
The search for a true Christian friend can prove a test of faith. Ask yourself – if you want a friend, are you willing to become a friend?
Let’s explore important characteristics of an authentic friend. As you study each quality of a true Christian friend, ask yourself – have you developed negative attitudes that discourage potential friends?
Christian Friends are Loyal
Many a man proclaims his own loyalty. But who can find a trustworthy man? – Proverbs 20:6
Treasure the friend who honors you with confidential information. Never tell. If other people are having a gossip fest about your friend, never confirm a rumor.
True friends are there. When you get engaged, get a promotion or win the lottery, they are sincerely happy for you. They are there when you get dumped by your boyfriend or downsized out of a job.
True friends have each other’s back.
Christian Friends are Honest
An honest answer is the sign of true friendship. – Proverbs 24:26
Nobody ever said it’s easy to be gut-level honest with our friends. We rationalize that telling a “little white lie” can serve in a friend’s best interest. Truth is, lies don’t come in colors. Something is either true or it isn’t. So, if something your friend does or says doesn’t feel right, even though the truth may be painful, tell them the truth.
Vice versa, a true Christian friend will tell you the truth, even at the risk of losing your friendship.
You can Trust a True Christian Friend
No one who gossips can be trusted – but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy. – Proverbs 11:13
Trust is two-way street in Christian friendships. The secrets you tell, the joy and sorrows you share should never leave the friend zone. If either friend breaks trust, the friendship will fracture and may not be mendable.
Friends who trust each other can be their authentic selves. They don’t need to mask their feelings and beliefs. No subject is taboo. Trusted friends view each other’s challenges through the objective lens of love.
Christian Friends Keep Promises Made
Ultimately, all we have is our word, our integrity. Promises made via our word, are like unwritten contracts. Failure to keep a promise to a friend, implies we don’t value the friendship. But more than that we aren’t demonstrating our highest integrity.
Of course, life happens and you may have a valid reason for not keeping a promise. If so, make your friend aware of the situation, sooner rather than later. Apologize sweetly.
But to callously break promises, because something better comes along will likely result in a broken friendship.
We’re told words are cheap. Yet the cost of not keeping our word can be dear.
True Christian Friends Love
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13
When we reach out to another person with love, we want love reflected to us. Loving Christ, loving yourself, puts you in a position to attract a true Christian friend. By becoming your own best friend first, you have the gift of loving friendship to give to another person.
Truth is, your friend’s love can outlast any other kind of love you experience. The deep, abiding love between authentic friends, is all about a sweet felicity, beyond comparison.
Final Thoughts:
True Christian friends influence us to become better people. They model a goodness that inspires us to see things from God’s perspective.