4 Things I’ve Learned About Friendship

Be the kind of friend you want to have.

A true friend is a source of great blessings!

Janet is one of those to me. She offers to pick something up from the grocery store when I’m sick. She asks, “How are you feeling today?” and truly means it.

She left a voicemail when I was going through a difficult time. Her message said she loved me, was praying for me, and that God was with me every step of the way, even if I felt alone.

The message touched my heart, and I couldn’t bring myself to delete it.

Even though the trial I was facing has ended, I’ve listened to the message several times as a pick-me-up amidst the daily struggles of life.

Four things I’ve learned about friendships:

1 - Put others ahead of yourself.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;” Philippians 2:3 (NASB 1995)

The world encourages us to say “Me first!” The Holy Spirit helps us to develop a servant’s heart and attitude so we will desire to put our friends’ needs above our own.

2 - Reflect God’s attributes onto others.

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:14 (NKJV)

Let others see Christ in you by showing mercy and kindness with a sincere and patient heart.

3 - Go the extra mile for others.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;” Romans 12:10 (NASB 1995)

A friend is cherished when they do more than what is expected. By serving your friend, you serve God.

4 - Don’t be hurt too easily, and do not hold grudges.

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

Many conflicts can be avoided if we give friends the benefit of the doubt and don’t jump to conclusions. Forgive others, even when they don’t ask for it.

One of my favorite expressions is, “Be the kind of friend you desire to have.”

Challenge: do something nice for a friend. Surprise them with kindness this week.

For more verses on this subject, see Acts 20:35, Hebrews 13:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7