(If you missed the first part of this post, you can find it here.)
5. protective
There’s no doubt about it: The best mirror is a friend’s eye. If you find someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth about yourself, hold on to that person. You’re going to need him or her if you expect to stand up against all the pressures that will come your way.
Sometimes a majority just means all the fools are on the same side. In fact, there have been times in my life when I knew I was headed in the right direction just because most people were going the other way. When the crowd pushes you to do something you know you shouldn’t, it’s easier to “just say no” if you have a friend saying it with you.
— Michael W. Smith
A true friend sees the good in you that others may not notice, which enables him to believe the best about you in a way few others can. He will stand beside you when you’re together and stand up for you when you’re apart. You can face the battle bravely knowing a friend is on your side, someone who will fight for you and protect you whether near or far.
6. faith-focused
He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
— Job 6:14 (ESV)
The best friendships won’t cause you to become dependent on the other person to meet all your relational needs; instead, a good friend will draw you closer to God. She doesn’t want you to rely on her alone. Ultimately, she wants you to deepen the relationship that matters most: your relationship with God. When you’re feeling weak and running low on faith, she will listen to you and support you, and then she will pray for you and point you to the only One who can help you. Even the best friends have their limits, and a wise friend will realize that.
7. Christlike
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
— Romans 15:5-7 (ESV)
A true friend lives out love along with the rest of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). He follows in the footsteps of Christ by laying down his life for you—not necessarily (or even probably) all at once in one grand act of heroism, but in countless choices made over the course of a friendship. Out of love for you, he will choose things that are sacrifices for him. And in so doing, he’s showing a picture of what it means to love as Jesus loved.
conclusion
The blessing of close friendship is one many of us long for but few of us find. Whether you already have a friend like the one I’ve described or you’re still searching for one, I hope you’re reminded of what a gift a true friend is. May we all strive to become the kind of friend we would hope to have.
Beautiful descriptions, Hannah Grace. I’m so blessed to be your friend. <3
Thank you! Me too. 🙂