Really Who Is A True Friend According To The Bible?

Hey there, dear readers! Today, we’re diving deep into the topic of who is a true friend according to the bible and the heart of biblical friendship to uncover the essence of a true friendship and why it matters in our lives.

In a world where friendships can be fleeting, it’s crucial to understand what makes a bond truly special and everlasting. So, let’s embark on this soul-enriching journey together!

The Bible in both the old testament and the new testament speaks volumes about true friendship, and it all begins with the ultimate example set by none other than Jesus Christ himself.

Christ Jesus showed us the true meaning of love, forgiveness, and loyalty, making him the epitome of a godly friend we should all emulate.

His unconditional love for humanity, even to the point of sacrificing his life for our sins, is a profound testament to what true friendship should be.

Who’s A True Friend?

According to the bible, a true friend is anyone who loves and supports you unconditionally as well as edifies and encourages you in the things of the Lord as well as doing you good.

A genuine friend is also a faithful person, seeks to do you good, and is loyal to you. Implying that a real and good friend will never betray your trust, though only Jesus Christ can do that at all times.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of what genuine friendship is all about. Unlike human friendships that can fail and disappoint you at times, Christ is the only one who will never fail you, though you fail Him.

Unlike human friendships that are selfish and self-centered, the friendship that Christ showed to us was selfless and based on true love. No fallen human in this world can ever show you such a true friendship as Jesus did.

This is because as sinful humans we are naturally selfish and self-centered and we only want to befriend a person if they have something that benefits us.

In the Book of Proverbs, we find a treasure trove of wisdom on the topic of friendship. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

A true friend stands by your side through thick and thin, rejoicing with you in your victories and providing unwavering support during difficult times.

Related: 15 (Must-Have) Qualities Of A Godly Friend Who’s Genuine.

A Good Friend Stands With You At All Times.

A godly friend is not just a fair-weather companion who’s just with you when things are good in your life but one who stands strong with you when the storms of life rage on.

In the same vein, Proverbs 27:6 emphasizes the significance of wise counsel that a true friend offers which states that wounds of a true friend are better than deceitful kisses of an enemy or a fake friend.

Implying that a genuine friend will not shy away from offering constructive criticism or pointing out areas you need to improve in your life. Their loyalty lies in your growth and well-being, even if it means sharing hard truths for your benefit.

It also means that a genuine good friend isn’t afraid of rebuking and correcting you in love especially if that person sees you are making wrong life choices that might cost you dearly in the future.

Sadly, this isn’t the case with many fake friends of today who are afraid of correcting you and being straight with you for fear of them offending you.

However, a true and close friend who’s godly isn’t afraid of being direct about your sin even if you don’t like what that Christian friend has to say. In other, words, a real godly friend won’t support your wrongdoings.

Instead, a true friend will confront and correct you of your evil ways instead of just watching you destroy and ruin your life through the wrong life choices you are making unhindered.

I would rather have a true godly friend who isn’t afraid of correcting me when I am wrong or straying away, not a fake friend who’s afraid of telling me where I am wrong due to fear and pretends everything is fine when nothing is fine at all.

Related: When Christian Friends Hurt You [Here’s What To Do.]

The Essence Of Biblical Friendship.

To truly understand the essence of biblical friendship, let’s also acknowledge the value of forgiveness. We all make mistakes and none of us is perfect, but a true friend is willing to extend grace and forgive, just as our Lord Jesus Christ did to us.

Colossians 3:13 encourages us to forgive one another, especially as friends in a godly friendship. You need to understand, though you are godly friends, offenses will come due to our different backgrounds and upbringings.

Even in a Christian friendship, misunderstandings and disagreements will arise for one reason or the other but you must never let misunderstandings tear a wedge in your friendship.

Instead, learn to love and forbear each other by showing each other grace and forgiveness. You can’t say you are a true friend if you are unable to forgive your friend for their offenses done against you.

Sadly, many good Christian friendships have been ruined by simple misunderstandings and offenses all because one wasn’t willing to forgive and let go of such petty offenses and take things personally.

However, you need to understand that true friendship is all about loving and forgiving one another as none of us is perfect and without faults. You must learn to embrace the flaws that your friend has as you can’t say you are without them.

In cultivating godly friendships, we learn to love and forgive, paving the way for a harmonious and lasting relationship. As we journey through life, we encounter various individuals who cross our paths and enter our lives as friends.

Attributes Of A Good Friend.

However, not all may possess the qualities of a true friend. Proverbs 12:26 tells us that the righteous choose their friends carefully and don’t just befriend anyone anyhow.

It’s crucial to discern the difference between good friends and bad friends, ensuring we surround ourselves with those who share our faith and values.

A good friend, in the biblical context, radiates godly attributes such as love, faith, and loyalty. They encourage us in our walk of faith and draw us closer to God.

Proverbs 27:9 beautifully illustrates the power of a true friend which states that perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Implying that a godly friend’s wisdom and counsel enrich our lives like sweet perfume, bringing joy and comfort to our souls. On the contrary, sinful bad friends are just there to ruin our lives and must be avoided at all costs

But how can we be true friends who are a blessing to others? For that answer, Jesus Christ gives us a golden rule in John 15:12-13 which is to love others as He’s loved us. If many Christians practiced that golden rule, many friendships wouldn’t be in ruin.

As a true friend you must aspire to love others selflessly, putting others’ needs before your own, just as Christ Jesus did for us which is the essence of selflessly laying down your life for another person.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, a true friend, according to the Bible, reflects the love, forgiveness, and loyalty exemplified by Jesus Christ. They offer wise counsel, stand by us in all circumstances, and enrich our lives with their godly attributes.

Let us strive to be true friends and cherish those who embody the beauty of biblical friendship. As we navigate through life, remember that true friendship is a precious gift from God, and through these relationships, we experience His love and grace.

So, let’s walk hand in hand with our friends, growing together in faith and love, for in true friendship, we find a glimpse of the divine connection that binds us all.

Other Related Posts.

• How To Build Godly Friendships That Last In 10 Easy Steps.
• 13 Characteristics Of Godly Friendships (Based On Christ).
• 54 Inspiring Godly Friendship Quotes [+ Wonderful Sermon].

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