Proverbs 18:24 -- New International Version (NIV)
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

There are many precious relationships that we develop in our lifetime. But one of the most precious of them all are our friends. Although no friendship is perfect–and like all relationships, have their ups and downs–true friends are there when you need them. They’re people who make us laugh, who we go to when we’re feeling down, stay with us through thick and thin, build us up, and bring us closer to God through their everlasting love.

Sometimes, it can be hard to evaluate whether our friendships are truly genuine. What is a good friend? And furthermore, what can we do to be a good friend? Well, the Bible covers everything that we need to know in life, and the subject of friendship is no exception.

August 7th, also known as National Friendship Day, is a day for us to celebrate some of the most special people in our lives. Therefore, today’s episode of Words of Wisdom, we will be discussing the subject, “What does the Word of God define as a true friend?” Let’s get started!

The Bible says that true friends:

• Stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)
• Pray for their friends (Job 42:10)
• Encourage and build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Do not associate with gossip. (Proverbs 16:28)
• Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 16:28)
• Love each other at all times–even through conflicts. (Proverbs 27:10)
• Are a positive influence (1 Corinthians 15:33)
• Bring out the best in each other. (Proverbs 27:17)

As you can probably tell, true friends are very hard to find. Therefore, it can be tricky for some people to tell who their real friends really are. Keep in mind that we shouldn’t create unrealistic expectations when looking for a friend–like us, they are people who make mistakes. That’s why sometimes, breaks are needed in a friendship.

But at the end of the day, as we continue to study what the Lord says in His Word, as well as seek Him for help when we need it, then the people who are our real friends–and how we can be better friends–will begin to become clearer.

So my final words are, friendships are one of the most precious gifts from God. And friends come in many shapes and forms–take family members and pets, for example. But we should absolutely never forget that there is one friend of ours that we have that never makes mistakes.

And that person is God himself.

I encourage you to take some time today to thank God for being a friend, and for considering us a friend of his. Also, please reach out to the people in your lives who have been true friends to you. Let’s all strive to be a better friend after the reminder of National Friendship Day.

Have a fantabulous rest of your day everyone! God bless you all and I will see you all next time! Peace in! ♡