Solidarity in Godly Friendships is an essential part of our Christian walk. When we walk through difficult times in life, genuine Christ-centered friendships can help carry us through.
Here are 4 things to consider when looking for Godly friendships:
- Transparency and Authenticity
Transparency is being easily seen, open and authentic. Godly friendships are built on authenticity; the ability to be open and vulnerable with one another. This however, takes the ability to trust. A real friendship is built over time and formed firmly through trust. No friendship will always be perfect however; in sharing our triumphs and life struggles authentically with one another, a foundation of a quality and genuine friendship can take place. When vulnerability embraces trust, we can form lasting and Christ centered friendships. By being authentic in who we are, we can be authentic and real in our friendships too.
‘’As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another’’. Proverbs 27:17
- Accountability
My most meaningful and lasting friendships have been with those who tell me the things that I don’t always want to hear. At times, I am the queen of not taking criticism well, but we must realize the difference between criticism and accountability in Godly friendships. Criticism is an unwanted superficial judgment whereas accountability is being honest in truth out of an authentic love and genuine care. A true friend keeps us accountable to the word of God, and when we are about to stumble, they tell us to ‘’watch out’’ because they care for us. Though we don’t always like to hear it, a Godly friend will always tell us the truth and keep us accountable to the application of God’s word in our daily lives.
‘’Where there is no guidance a people fails, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety ‘’. Proverbs 11:14
- Steadfastness
Our friendships need to be firm in purpose and firmly established. A steadfast friend is one who is unwavering and unmovable. Grounded in faith and in the word of God, they understand His love and purpose. When we are mutually following our purpose, and the call of God on our lives we can pursue Godly friendships that will jointly encourage us and sharpen us in the direction of our life. A steadfast friend is one who when the storms of life come, will be firmly grounded, unfaltering and fixed on the foundation of Christ. They will be there for us no matter what, in times of trials, struggles and success.
‘’Steadfast love and faithfulness meet’’. Psalm 85:10
- Selflessness
A true friend will be willing to sacrifice their interests for the interests of others around them. And a Godly friendship will reveal humility in action. A faithful friend, will want to help us carry our burdens instead of add to them. Like, Jesus they will offer to take our heavy loads and come alongside us in a spirit of humility and love. A great indicator of selflessness is time. When our friends give us their time, it encourages us to see that we are valued and loved. Instead of an attitude of what can I get from you? True friends will show us a selfless attitude of, how can I serve you?
‘’This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one then this, that someone lay down his life for his friends’’. John 15:12-13
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