Making Godly Friendships

Scripture tells us of the lasting and faithful friendship of David and Jonathan. Each promised their forever friendship to the other. 

Finding Friends

It’s extremely hard to find a true friend like David and Jonathan were to each other,or like the one described in Proverbs 18:24, a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister. And good friendships with godly women are even more rare.

Finding a friend who likes to shop is one thing, but finding a sister of the soul is much more difficult.

I don’t know about you, but I want those friends who are closest to me to know God and to understand my faith and trust in Him. I want that special person to be someone I can confide in.

A friend who believes that when loyalty is called for, loyalty is given. When support is needed, support is given. When correction is crucial, correction is given. Like David, I want my closest friends to be part of the family of God—true soul mates in the Lord.

Built-In Friendships

As we age, it can become more difficult to make friends. But here’s the good news: many of us already have built-in friends with our family. First is friendship with your spouse.

How can you recapture that friendship you enjoyed with your spouse while you two were dating? To begin, think back on those days. What did you do to nurture your relationship with your them? Take a moment to write a list.

Then make a commitment to do some of these activities again—the activities that helped you to become best friends. After all, after your friendship with God, your spouse’s friendship is the greatest treasure you possess.

Next is friendship with your parents.There is nothing weird about having your mom and dad as best friends. They are God’s gift to you. No one loves you more, or cares for your best interests more, than your parents.

And, you also have friends in your brothers and sisters. As a child, you probably thought, Friends with my goofy brother or pesky little sister? You’ve got to be kidding! But in truth, your friends throughout life come and go. You may stay in touch with some, but most of your friends will move on.

But your family is just that – your family. They will always be there, especially if you work at building and maintaining friendships with them. 

Building Friendships

God also provides other people with whom you can and should have friendships.

Women you meet at church are a natural starting point. Ask about small groups, morning-out gatherings for moms, or committees you could volunteer on and hopefully meet new women at.

Set up a playdate with another mom and her kids at a local park. Pick a regular day of the month to have coffee with 2-3 women. And have fun! Plan a game night or a meal prep afternoon. Have a crafting party, where each woman teaches a craft she excels into other women. While you’re talking, ask about ways you can pray for and fill any practical needs they may have.

And what about making friends with those in your community?Recently I spoke at a women’s conference in California, and while I was there, I spent time visiting with a former next-door neighbor I hadn’t seen in several decades. Amazingly, we picked up right where we had left off, before we both moved away those many years ago!

Do you know your neighbors?

A Forever Friend

Most importantly, as a Christian, you already have a perfect friendship. You have a friend in Jesus Christ. God’s Son, Jesus, has chosen you to be His friend. Just as with His disciples, Jesus speaks of you as His friend: “You are My friends… I have called you friends” (John 15:14-15)

RESPOND

Lord, please help me find and nurture close friendships with sisters in Christ who love You and strengthen and encourage my Christian walk. And Lord, I hold up my friends to You today, thanking You for Your gift of likeminded and faithful friends and soul mates in the Lord. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES  

A Woman After God’s Own Heartby Elizabeth George—As you embrace God's plans for you, you will build a strong bond with your husband and improve your relationships with family and friends. Pick up a copy of this Bible study, now in large print, today!

REFLECT

Pray and ask God to guide you in nurturing your friendships.

What are 3 things you can do today to encourage a friend?

REMEMBER

Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times.”