“Faithful friends are a rare and holy gift. In a world that changes constantly, a friend who walks beside you through every season is a reflection of God’s steadfast love.“ Sandi
Being a good friend is about being reliable, kind hearted and thoughtful. If you’re willing to be there through the hard times, stand up for your friend and to share your thoughts and cares with a friend, then you’ll develop and maintain a friendship that endures and is reciprocated in kind.
One good friend is priceless and taking the time to fulfill your role in the friendship is worth every moment.
Things To Be
Be real. Connect with people whose friendship you value and see as sustainable long-term.
Be honest. Keep your promises, do what you say you are going to do. Good friendship is based on trust – if you break a friend’s trust, the friendship may be very hard to salvage.
Be loyal. If your friend tells you something in confidence, keep that confidence and don’t talk about it to anyone else.
Be respectful. Good friends respect one another and show this by being openly and mutually supportive.
Be there. Be there when it counts—help with practical things like hospital bags, finding a lost pet, or giving a ride. If they’re sick, send a card or care package. In times of loss, attend the funeral or bring a meal. Encourage them to open up—listen without judgment, and don’t rush to “fix” things. Avoid false reassurances; instead, say, “I’m here for you, whatever you need.” Sit with them, talk, or just share a quiet moment. Stay calm, sincere, and supportive. Even small gestures—like a quick hug or kind touch—can bring real comfort when done with care..
Be thoughful. Give thoughtful advice when asked, add perspective. Don’t judge, but do advise your friend when they reach out for advice or when they need to hear a little tough love. Tell your friend how you perceive their situation using factual information, and suggest what you might do in the same circumstances. Allow venting where needed and be willing to offer advice if it’s clear that it’s sought.
Be attentive. Listen. You don’t have to agree – just listen to what is said. Make sure to stop talking to listen, so that you’re not just running your mouth. Listening opens space between the two of you and reassures your friend that you’re not judging them.
Be selfless. Being selfless is an important part of being a good friend. Be there when you’re needed and go the extra mile if it’s going to make a big difference for your friend. Reciprocate in kind with caring deeds and help and your friendship will be strengthened.
Be kind. Always treat a friend as you would want to be treated. Don’t do or say anything that you wouldn’t want done to you. Be there through thick and thin as long as that is how you feel as a true friend.
Be merciful. Hate the act, not the person. If your friend has done something wrong or caused you hurt, talk about it.
Friends. The Greatest Blessing
The more you are with one another, the more you accept one another for who you really are and years come and go, you are the most blessed with friends. This is what being a truly good friend is really about – caring deeply for each other, warts and all.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. For the people who walk beside us, love us through our flaws, and reflect Your grace in our lives. Help us to be faithful friends—kind, patient, forgiving, and true.
Teach us to love without condition, to listen with compassion, and to speak truth in love. When our friends are hurting, give us gentle hearts and comforting words. When they celebrate, let us rejoice with them sincerely.
Protect our friendships from jealousy, pride, and selfishness. Let them be rooted in You, growing stronger through every season. And when distance or difficulty comes, remind us to pray for one another and to cherish the bonds You’ve created.
Lord, may our friendships honor You and reflect the love of Christ. Make us friends who lift others up, stand firm in trials, and never stop pointing one another back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV)
Close your eyes and think of your friends as you listen to an old song by James Taylor. Maybe give your friend a call. “You’ve Got a Friend“
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