When you
think about the word friendship what comes to mind? Are you flooded with happy
thoughts and warm memories of those you love, or are you flooded with thoughts
of hurt, betrayal and disappointment? God’s design for friendship was to bless and
nourish our lives. These relationships were meant to be fulfilling, lasting,
encouraging and life changing. However, this is rarely the case today; those who have experienced true friendship know this.
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) states:
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Friendship should sharpen you; it should make you a better person. The
support, love and faithfulness of true friends manifest the best qualities
within us. There is something special about being able to spend time or chat
with a friend uninhibited. Being able to trust that you’re able to share your
thought, dreams, and fears in a safe environment, with someone who loves you
and has your best interest at heart. A friend doesn’t always agree with you,
but a friend will support you and communicate to you if and when you’re not
making the best decisions. Healthy friendships
support growth.
Charles Stanley, a great bible teacher once stated that, “independence is
a prized attribute in our culture, but biblically, it isn’t a worthy
aspiration. Nowhere in Scripture will you find the erroneous quote, “God helps
those who help themselves.” The very fact that the Lord formed the church—a
community of believers—should tell us that He did not create people for
self-sufficiency or isolation.”
Friendship is God’s design.
1 Corinthians 15:33(NIV) states: Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
What type of friends do you
have? Do your friends encourage you to do things contrary to the way you desire
your life to go. Do your friends encourage or support destructive behaviors? Think
about your friendships, and if they are the best relationships for you.
Below
are some tips for strengthening and building healthy friendships:
- Nurture
your friendships: Take time to invest in them, and be available.
- Don't
allow comparisons or jealousy to sneak in: Rejoice when your friends
rejoice, and share in their burdens with them.
- Pray
for your friends: Guard their conversations and or prayers with honor. Don't
be a gossiper.
- Encourage
your friends: Assist your friends when you’re able to. Let them know you
value their friendship.
The
key to friendship is vulnerability and communication. You must become
vulnerable. You must have trust, and honesty. You must invest in the
relationship, and you must have open communication.
