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 alone would be lonely, unbearably so.
At a quick glance, Proverbs offers us insight into the qualities of a good friend:
- “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (17:17, NLT)
- “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (27:6, NLT)
- “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” (27:9, NLT)
We are 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 – meaning 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 when he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of it sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment” (John 16:8, NLT).
- 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. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NLT).
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 …
Are we this sort of friend?
Today I am joining … Porch Stories and TrekkingThru the Week and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman and Writer Wednesday .
Love this much-needed post! I’ve found social media provides for many connections and new friends. However, those connections are sometimes not as deep or close as a face to face connection. As I mature, I realize it is not as easy to make those deep connections as it was when I was a young mother or grad student, or working full time. Thank you for sharing the quote from Tim Keller, “A true friend is someone who always lets you in and never lets you down.” Love it!
I loved the quote when I read it as well. And I agree, as we mature (aka, grow older), it is not as easy to make deep connections. I am grateful for the creative way God brings friends into my life. Blessings!
I hope I am that kind of friend.
Me too!
Beautiful description of the Truth of being a friend.
May we follow His example and not let the world mold us into being casual and non-committed friends. Truly He has shown us the way to be a friend.
I have a friend who I can trust to tell me the truth even when it may not be easy or exactly what I want to hear. As I have gotten older, I’ve come to realize just how rare and precious that kind of honesty really is.
Karen, may you and your friend hold on to each other dearly and cherish the relationship you have. Yes, that depth of friendship is rare indeed and a blessing!
I want to be that kind of friend!
I’m so glad He is constant and never shifts His position on loving me.
And me as well, Jerralea. And with His help, we can become that kind of friend!
It’s so important to me that I become more aware of the beautiful presence of God with me all the time. These three qualities of the friendship of God emphasize how blessed we are! Thanks, Joanne!
It is so true, Lisa. And the blessing we receive from our relationship with Him grows dearer as the years go by.
Joanne,
As a treasured friend, you possess all those qualities and then some. Your care and compassion spoke volumes to me during my recuperation. I am finally driving and will start physical therapy tomorrow. Making progress slowly but surely.
With love, thanks, and blessings,
Bev xx
Oh Bev, I am so glad to hear this. And thank you! May the friendships and connections we make, even through the internet, be ones that please and glorify Him always and bless one another greatly. xo
I love this Joanne! It’s so important to be that friend – moreso than look for that friend. Friendship for women is crazy important – and it’s in giving that we receive the most. Love your quote from Allistair Begg! That’s always my focus – since I really don’t have any answers on my own…. :}
The quote spoke deeply to me. We receive so much when we give our time and caring to others. We give and love because He has given and loved us.
I love this! Thanks for reminding me to be that kind of friend, and to look for these qualities in my friends too.
Love this! Thanks for being my friend.
And likewise, friend! I so appreciate you! xo