When I was a kid, it was easy for me to make friends. I’d walk up to another kid and say “Hi. You want to go play?” The answer would be “yes”, and the next thing you know I had new friend. As we grow older, some people have no trouble making friends. Others struggle at relationships and hardly have any friends at all, or are left pondering why their friendships never last.
Research has concluded that there are certain personal characteristics it’s essential to cultivate to build healthy, lasting friendships. Trustworthiness, honesty, being dependable, loyalty, being able to trust, being non-judgmental, supportive, self-confident, fun to be around and a good listener; are all qualities a person should develop in order to be a better friend. (Degges-White, 2015)
God designed us for relationship. As Christians we’re equipped by the power of the Holy Spirit to help meet the needs of others, even if we lack certain personal qualities or characteristics ourselves. If you’re deficient in the friendship department, examine how you measure up according to what God’s word says.
Galatians 5:22-26 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
It’s clearly communicated to us in God’s word how much value our heavenly father placed on building healthy relationships. So ask yourself; are you the type of person who easily makes friends, or do you struggle at relationships? If you find that you’re low on the friendship quotient and feel this is an area in your life that you have opportunity to grow, seek guidance from the Lord and He’ll help you step out of your comfort zone.
~Trish
Good morning Trish: Thanks so much for posting this. I believe with my whole being that God designed women in a way that we require these relationships with other women. I am an extrovert, so going up to someone and making friends is not hard on me, but I have some friends who have a much harder time doing this. I think that being those special friends to women who are having a hard time helps them to walk in community with us! This was a great, encouraging post for me today!
So true! So true!
Awesome expansion of what we’ve been discussing in group – bravo!