Be the Friend You Want to Have

Have you ever wondered how to attract the right friends? Or perhaps how to guide your children in selecting good friends?

It should come as no surprise that the answer can be found within God’s Word: Be the friend you want to have.

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How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions. – 2 Samuel 1:23

If Jesus were to speak to this topic of friendship today, He might write something like this:

I understand your desire for a friend. Here are a few thoughts to help you find one.

• If you wait for a good friend to materialize suddenly before your eyes, you may have to wait forever. The best way to find a friend is to be one.
• Look around you: Who do you already know that might need a friend? Don’t judge people by their outward appearance – my Father in heaven sure doesn’t. He looks at the heart. In the same way, you may be surprised that people you assume would drive you nuts might actually grow on you once you get to know them.
• The people who became my friends during my time on earth didn’t fit the job description of the “proper” friends for the Son of God. They included tax collectors and fishermen – not exactly the most respected people back in my days on earth.

Let’s look a little deeper into what kind of a friend you might want to be. Take a few moments and ask yourself, “What kind of a friend has Jesus been to me?” Hopefully words such as loving, accepting, and forgiving come to mind. Those qualities will serve you well in being – and finding – a friend.

A good friend has the heart of a servant and is willing to sacrifice. Who wouldn’t want a friend like that?

Don’t get discouraged because you haven’t found the right friend. Acquaintances are easy to find, but lasting friendships take time. In the meantime be the kind of friend to those around you that I am to you.

Your best friend,

Jesus

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Your Turn

How do Jesus’ words affect your story? How will they impact your friendships moving forward?