“A true friend is someone who always lets you in and never lets you down.”
(Tim Keller)
We all need friends, relationships, in our lives. To go through life without others would be lonely, unbearably so.
At a quick glance, Proverbs offers us insight into the qualities of a good friend:
- “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (17:17, NASB)
- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (27:6, NASB)
- “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.” (27:9, NASB)
In Scripture, we have been called friends with God, showing us not only the important role relationships play in our lives but more so, three qualities to be found in a friend:
- Constant. This means not changing or varying; unceasing. “He [God] never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17). He will also never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We can be assured the Lord will never abandon His own.
- Candid. Jesus confronted those around Him in an open and sincere manner. He was always straightforward. He said what He meant and meant what He said. Today through the work of the Holy Spirit, He still exposes our shortcomings. “And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8, NASB).
- Committed. God is bound to His people, obligated, devoted. His promises are yes and amen. The true test of friendship was found in and through His Son, Jesus Christ, who lay down His life for us. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NASB).
Friends are there in time of need, sticking around in the good times and the bad. They care for the poor, and are not drawn into friendship by wealth or status. A true friend is not in it for what they can gain from another. They give wise and heartfelt counsel, yes, even when it is hard and uncomfortable.
The question is not so much do we have these sort of friends but rather, are we this sort of friend?
“You will never have a better friend than a friend who points you to Christ.”
(Alistair Begg)
Reflection:
Which of these characteristics do you need to develop more of in your life?
Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay
What a tender line it is for candid conversations. I wish I had Jesus' touch for those moments I always feel like a bull in a china shop at those conversations. However, good friends allow those conversations - and it's the grace we give each other in our friendships for those conversations. I'd say that is an area that leaves me fraught and awkward at times.
ReplyDeleteMaryleigh, I so agree, Those conversations do require grace on the part of each person. Those conversations make me feel very stressed and so, I find myself getting quieter these days. This also has me praying for courage to be better friend as well.
DeleteWhat important qualities these are. And what a good question to ponder: Am I that kind of friend? Thanks for giving me something to think about today.
ReplyDeletePaula,
ReplyDeletewe all need friends but a good friend is often hard to come by...I am blessed to have one of those.. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!! I hope you are having a good week!!
Hugs,
Deb