True Friends

So I was checking out Twitter on a mini break from writing my history paper and I saw a tweet that said "A true friend stabs you in the front."  (- -) The world really tries to make itself sound right. Although honesty, true expression of feelings, and transparency are important to any relationship, a Biblical friend won't stab you in the first place. They would talk to you about whatever issues(s) the two of you were having to your face. Then if it seems like you two couldn't work it out, the two of you would go seek wise counsel to assist in your reconciliation. (Of course pray would be in this too from beginning to end.)

Here's a short take on how Biblical friendship really works:

John15:12-15- Jesus view of friendship

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 


How to love - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 

4 Love is Patient (don't be annoyed or anxious) and Kind (generous or considerate). Love is Not Jealous (showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages) or Boastful (self-satisfaction in one's achievements, possessions, or abilities) or Proud (having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance) 5 or Rude (offensively impolite or ill-mannered). It does Not Demand Its Own Way. It is Not Irritable (easily annoyed or made angry), and it Keeps No Record of Being Wronged. 6 It does Not Rejoice about Injustice but Rejoices Whenever the Truth Wins Out. 7 Love Never Gives Up, Never Loses Faith, is Always Hopeful, and Endures Through Every Circumstance.

 

A Biblical example (David and Samuel) - 1 Samuel 18: 1-3
 
1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn't let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.

• They based their friendship on commitment to God, not just each other
• They were loyal to one another
• They grew closer when their friendship was tested
• They remained friends to the end

They encouraged each others' faith in God

 

•  1 Samuel 23:16 - And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God

Practical ways to be a friend

• Be honest
• Treat others the way you want to be treated
• Look for the best in each other
• Encourage one another
• Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep