A friend is a trustworthy confidante and companion that you share your life with, some stay for a season, others for a lifetime. It is the necessary companionship that we all long for; the deep binding friendship that ties our heart to another.

There are so many ties that bind us. Perhaps it is commonalities or a shared life event (good or bad). It could be the qualities you admire in them, or perhaps they are so different than you, they intrigue you.

Whatever the case may be, friendship is a beautiful and treasured commodity. Here are some of the values that are a good recipe for a great friend.

Be a friend to get a friend

Some days we feel lonely. We feel forgotten by those we thought cared about us. So we throw ourselves a pity party. But if we miss someone we should give them a shout. Let them know you are thinking of them. Sometimes it’s not that they don’t care they are just too busy with what’s immediately in front of them.

Be there during the trials as well as the joys

A true friend is not only there to celebrate with you but also to encourage you during rough patches. How will we know to celebrate or encourage unless we are keeping up on their life? Make a phone call, send a letter, plan a get together. People only know you are thinking of them if you tell them.

A friend loves at all times.

Prov. 17:17

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

Ecc. 4:9-10

Hold each other accountable

If you see your friend going down a harmful path whether spiritually or physically, help them. Don’t turn a blind eye. Love requires honesty.

Laugh often

“Laughter is good medicine for the soul.” I could be having the roughest week, but if I talk to a friend, and we start laughing about something, even if it pertains to the fact of how stinky our week was, it just relieves the stress, and changes my whole disposition.

Don’t talk about your friend behind their back

It doesn’t matter what you call it, talking about your friend behind their back in a negative light, just isn’t cool. Who knows, maybe what your saying is true? Friends have imperfections, but don’t discuss it with other people. What fruit does that bring?

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

Prov. 16:28

Be there when your friend needs you

If your friend calls you in a time of need, but your favorite show is on, don’t tell her you will call her back. Listen to her, hear her heart, be ready to offer her some support.

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?

Prov 20:6

Invest in their life

Encourage them, join with them on their journey. Be a part of their life.

A true friend doesn’t just say hello on major holidays.

Don’t let sun go down on your anger

If you have a problem with a friend, address it! Don’t let it fester. A lot of friendships have been broken due to bitterness and unresolved conflict. Friends are too valuable to throw away over an argument.

Seek to find out their interests, even if they aren’t yours

Usually this info is available if we just listen to our friend. Sometimes it’s hard to look beyond ourselves, and really try to allow our friends to share what they love. But when we take the time to listen and understand their perspective, it helps give us a fuller picture of our friends. It’s not always going to be easy, because their interest is not always going to be the same as ours, but if it isn’t harmful or morally askew, just let them have their moment. Because when people feel vulnerable enough to share parts of who they are, it is an honor, and we should treat it as such. Although it takes a while for someone to be vulnerable, it sometimes only takes a nano second for them to close off.

Wrap-Up

Would you be your own friend based on how you treat others?

I have some rare and treasured friends. They invest in me and I invest in them. Who do you want to stay in your life? Friendship is like anything of value it takes work, commitment and dedication, but it is definitely worth it.

Name one awesome friend moment.