Jesus calls his disciples and us his friends. Friendship is a valuable gift.  It requires generosity, honesty and mutual love. A true friend understands us even when we remain silent and accepts us as we are.  Here are some basic guidelines on how to be a true friend.

  1.  Look for safe healthy people.  Healthy safe people listen to us, they won't manipulate us, pressure us or shame us. 
They brim with the fruits of the spirit; love, joy ,peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self control.

  2. Allow trust to grow over time. Don't expect trust to grow overnight. When you spend time with others over time you begin to know who is trustworthy.  If someone is talking to you about others, you can be sure they are talking about you to others too.

  3. Know the difference between mentor, mentee and friend.  In a friendship we should share mutually, teach mutually and advise mutually.

   4.  Look outside of the church.  We can be friends with all people. It is possible to have great firends within the church community and wonderful friends met elsewhere.

    5.  Don't be afraid of counseling.  in a difficult season of life, a critical event or recurring sin, counseling can be a healthy solution rather than burdening our friends with a problem they may or may not know how to solve.  Covering up problems always makes them worse.  

Jesus we pray that we allow your grace to pour into our hearts to make true friendships, honest, generous and loving.