Is there anything sweeter than a real and honest friendship? The form of friend which you could share life with and have the option to open up your raw and somewhat messy heart knowing there won’t be judgment, only sincere understanding, wrapped with wisdom and style.
The truth is, all of us need good friends. But much more, we were created for this tender form of relationship because we were never meant to do that life alone. God made us for thus far more, and He gives us the blessing and precious gift of friendship to have the option to grasp the depths of His love.
Fellow brother or sister, we serve a relational God and He lays out for us in His Word a hierarchy for our relationships. First and foremost, God wants a reference to us, as He deeply desires to be in tune with our hearts, mind, and soul (Deuteronomy 6:4). As for our human relations, God gives us the gift present in the sacred union of marriage and blesses a person and woman after they stand before Him, say their vows, and profess their commitment to at least one one other (Genesis 2:24). Our gracious God gives us the blessings of youngsters and calls us to lift them up in the religion (Psalm 127:4). He also gives us relationships with our parents and clan, commanding us to honor, respect, and look after our relations (Ephesians 6:2-3, 1 Timothy 5:8).
Yet, relating to friendship, God shares with us in His Word select our friends correctly (Proverbs 12:26), be a great friend (Romans 12:10), and why this relationship is so invaluable to us as believers (Proverbs 27:9). So, what are the markings of a Biblically good friend? Grab your Bible and let’s dig in so we are able to discover what God has to say!
A Good Friend Walks by Faith
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens one other.” – Proverbs 27:17
Jesus often sent His disciples out two by two into the mission field. This might have been for plenty of reasons, including their safety, but because we serve a God that holds a greater plan and a deeper purpose, perhaps it was also used for his or her spiritual growth. He knew as two “brothers” would come together and serve Him that they might shape, mold, and sharpen each other. So, it begs to query are the buddies that walk beside you helping you grow closer to Jesus?
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