We all want to have friends, yet sometimes we lack the skills to achieve this goal.
The Bible provides important guidelines for building real friendships.
Solomon advised that to have friends
- we must be friendly (Proverbs 18:24),
- we must treat people with kindness and have pure motives (Proverbs 22:11), and
- be supportive of others in their time of need (Proverbs 17:17). True friends will tell you the truth and offer wise counsel;
- they will not use flattery or spread gossip (Proverbs 27:6, 9, 14, 17).
Real friends are gracious, hospitable and concerned about the needs of other people (Acts 27:3).
True friendship involves being willing to make personal sacrifices for others who have needs—Jesus Christ was willing to lay down His life for people He called His friends (John 15:13).
He said we can become His friends—if we will follow His instructions and His example (John 15:14-15).
This is how Abraham became a friend of God—by believing and obeying God (James 2:23).
As Christians, let’s strive to become kind, caring and friendly people.
