How To Be A Better Friend
“As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” – Proverbs 27:19 ESV
Six Marks of Friendship
1 – I Must Be Committed
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24 ESV
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
2 – I Must Be Considerate
“What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.” – Proverbs 19:22 ESV
“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” – Philippians 4:5 NLT
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
- Friends don’t rub it in, they help rub it out!
3 – I Must Be Confidential
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” – Proverbs 11:13
“Argue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another,” – Proverbs 25:9 ESV
4 – I Must Be Candid
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:5-6
“Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” – Proverbs 24:26
- Compliment in public, correct in private
- Correct when they are up, not when they are down, depressed or despondent.
- Never rebuke a friend unless you are open to allowing them to rebuke you.
5 – I Must Be Constructive
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
“On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” – 1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV
- Build up each other.
- Be a cheering section for your friends, spouse, and children.
6 – I Must Be Considerate
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 ESV
“Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means].” – 1 Timothy 3:3 ESV
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. “ – Romans 5:11 NLT
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Such a fabulous post! Each characteristic is key to being a friend and how often are we truly gifted with the sort of friendship you’ve described? I pray I can be that sort of friend to others. Peace and grace, Tammy
Love this list, and love that you backed every one with scripture! And, I love this tip especially – compliment in public, correct in private!! That’s great to remember for any relationship!!
I love this post. To have a good friend, we must be a good friend. This post reminds us how to do just that.
What wonderful advice, my friend. The word would be a much kinder place if we could follow your wisdom.
What a great list. Those are things we don’t often think about but we should always be willing to follow those guidelines with true friends and allow the same in our lives from them. Thanks, Jimmie!
Love this! Too often we treat our personal relationships with a cavalier attitude instead of a commitment.
Well said sir. Friends, I’ve found in this life, are sometimes few and far between, but when you find a true one, your life is blessed in so many ways.
Thank you for your comment. I agree that when you find a friend life is blessed.