Human beings were not created to live life alone. This is clear throughout scripture and it is not that hard to figure out as we live life. Do we need to be around people all the time? No. However, I think companionship is very important. Sharing life with others stretches us and causes us to grow.
As I think of the friendships I have and those that are especially dear to me, I find myself considering what about those friendships I am most thankful for. What makes a good friend?
In my life, I consider a good friend to be...
1. Someone who shares my love for Jesus.
This is crucial in my life. It's not that I cannot be friends with unbelievers, but when I don't see eye to eye with someone on something so important to my identity, it can be hard to go as deep in conversation. There are also many places in Scripture where we are given direction as to the kinds of people we should spend most of our time with and be closest to. When I think of my closest friends, I cannot think of them and my time spent with them without including our spiritual conversations. Such a sweet blessing. Ah it makes my heart happy.
2. Someone I can count on.
Now I will be the first to admit that you cannot put total dependence on anyone or anything apart from God, but I do think you should be able to count on close friends. That is not to say that they won't let you down sometimes--we are human and as such we struggle with sin and living selfishly. However, the people I consider to be my closest friends I know have my back. I know that if I needed them, they would be there for me as best as they could.
3. Someone I can be myself with.
I am a relatively shy and quiet person. I do not usually talk a lot in groups and it takes me a while to get comfortable enough to be myself. Some of this stems from self-conscious sin issues, but some of it just comes down to how much I trust the other individual. It is such a sweet blessing to feel comfortable enough around other people to be myself and be vulnerable.
4. Someone I can talk with.
Good conversation is important to sharing life with others. Good conversation can be had when both individuals are talking about something they agree about and when both individuals see a given topic differently. Both can be challenging and can lead to growth. However, I think to best have these deep conversations and grow and be encouraged, Jesus needs to be shared between the two individuals.
5. Someone who will share themselves with me.
Honesty and vulnerability are important in relationship and I think to best build trust in friendship these things need to go both ways. It is an honor to share trust with people and it leads to stronger relationships.
I love true friendship. I love that there is depth. I love that the relationships are going somewhere. I love that I don't have to wonder if they care for me in return. I love that they love Jesus. I love that we can share this life together, encouraging and challenging one another along the way.
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