5 Virtues of a True Friend

Being friendly and approachable is a Jesus quality. You may believe that anyone could talk to you or ask something of you, but you may also be sending a message that says you already have enough friends, or you’re too busy to be bothered.

Stop and think about Jesus’ friendliness. Jesus meant it when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Are you sure you are friendly and approachable? To your family at home? To the people at school, at church, or next door? Is your heart tuned in to those who are new, lonely, not a part of the in crowd—the outsiders?

Let’s take a look at Jesus’ traits, or five virtues we can draw from Him, and become a true friend to those around us.

A good friend is … 

• Forgetful—God has forgiven our sin and will remember it no more, and we are to do the same with our friends.
• Loyal—… and truehearted, and steady as a rock. During adversity a real friend is present, praying, caring, helping, calling, crying, providing whatever is needed.
• Not shallow—Real friends pray together and for one another. They share spiritual truths and encourage each other’s spiritual growth.
• Trustworthy—… to protect confidences. Keep this Spanish proverb in mind: “Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.”
• An adviser—… who braces, steadies, and sharpens her friends, pulling them up—up toward God, up in godliness, up in character, up in ministry and service to others.

And as Proverbs 17:17 sums it up, “A friend loves at all times.”

PONDER

What are the marks of a true friend? Do you have them?

RESPOND

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are always available to me when I’m alone or lonely. I know how good it feels to have a friend like You. I want to reflect Your heartand be a Jesus kind of friend to others. Help me be open and available to others who need Your help through me. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

Drawn from Proverbs for a Woman’s Day by Elizabeth George. Don’t guess about the next step and hope for the best. Get a clear view of the right path as you follow God’s wisdom. In this book, Elizabeth takes you on a journey through the 31 chapters of Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart, including friendship!

REFLECT

Ask God to look into your heart. Pray for an approachable spirit that will reflect the heart of Jesus.

REMEMBER

Be like the One who never refused the cries of anyone who needed a friend and help … including you.