Friends are an important part of living in community with Christ. God created us to be in fellowship with others.
Some friendships start because of a shared interest. Others grow from proximity or common life circumstances. Friendships can be based on many things. But there is something uniquely special about a Christian friendship.
Can you imagine growing up with Jesus Christ Himself as your friend? How wonderful would it feel to have Perfect Love as a friend? Well, as we are transformed into the image of Christ – becoming like Him in how we think and act – we can be good friends to people in our lives.
A heart of service
Christian friends are not selfish. They do not use their friends to meet their needs, but humbly and sacrificially serve those whom Christ has called them to love. He gave us the vivid example of this when he stooped down to wash his disciples’ feet.
(John 13:14-15)
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you.”
Faithful
Even in death, Jesus sticks close to us – never leaving us. How can you be faithful in word and in presence to your friends? I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:18).
They Pray for You
In a Christian friendship, a true friend will pray for you and even with you. Whether you or your friend are going through a difficult time, we all need to be lifted up to our Father in prayer. A godly friend will go before the Lord on your behalf.
Perhaps they pray with you over a good or bad situation. Perhaps they keep you in their daily prayers when they have their own quiet time, but a godly friend will pray for you.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16).
Truth Telling
Jesus told the truth – even when it offended some. But He told the truth to give people life and hope – not just to tear them down. How can you speak the truth to your friends? I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6).
LOVING
Jesus is perfect love in human flesh. We can be better friends by letting God’s love flow through us to our friends. Without His love, we are nothing. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35).
True generosity
Friends who agree “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1) are called to be free and generous with their money and possessions. There should be no shame in asking for, and no pride in bestowing, that which is not ours to begin with.