True friendships are a gift from God. In a world where we have hundreds of contacts yet often feel lonely, the Bible reminds us what it means to be a good friend and to have friends who draw us closer to God.
A friend who stays
The book of Proverbs describes genuine friendship like this: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17). True friends do not disappear when hard times come. They stay, listen and help.
Ecclesiastes says that “two are better than one”, because “if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). We were not created to walk through life alone.
The greatest proof of friendship
Jesus Himself called His disciples His friends and showed them the greatest proof of love: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). He is the friend who never leaves us.
From our friendship with Jesus we learn to be better friends ourselves: patient, honest, willing to forgive and glad about other people’s successes.
For reflection
Who are the friends who have helped you grow in faith? Who could you be a friend to this week, perhaps someone new at church or someone who is lonely?
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.