A Word for F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

It’s a blessing from God when we have good friends. Friendships can make a big difference in times of joy and sorrow. Friendships are also fragile and if we aren’t careful, we can neglect them and find ourselves alone. How can we become better F-R-I-E-N-D-S?

F – Forgive when they let us down.
Forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:13)

Our friends aren’t perfect and we need to give them grace when they fail us. We, too, will eventually let them down as well.

R – Remember them in times of trouble.
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me! (Job 19:21)
It’s in our hard times when we really know our real friends who will pray and patiently console us. Friends are there to hug, support, and to talk through the dark days.

I – Initiate acts of kindness
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

We don’t have to wait for special days to show kindness and love to friends that God has placed on our hearts. It brings us joy to give to our friends more than it is to receive from them.

E – Embrace seasons of friendships
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Some friendships are strongest during certain seasons of life. Yet, the true bond is solidified even when there are long breaks in communication.

N – Never give room to jealousy nor envy.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. (1 Peter 2:1)

True friends rejoice with each other’s accomplishments and joys. There’s no place for jealousy nor envy in their hearts.

D – Decide carefully on inner circle of friends.
Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” (John 6:70)

Careful consideration must be given to close friends with whom we share our deepest thoughts and dreams. We want our transparency to be honored with confidentiality.

S – Speak the truth in love.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (Ephesians 4:15)

A true friend will speak the hard truths to help us grow in our faith and relationships. They don’t seek to hurt us, rather it’s about wanting us to be the best we can be in our season.