Women and Friendships – She Believes 3

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

My Dear Sisters, today I would like to explore what it means to be a great friend. I am concerned that so many friendships are thrown to the wayside and discarded like yesterday’s newspaper; and usually over something very minor. We are so quick anymore to take our toys and leave the sandbox headed straight for home.

We are no longer as willing to talk and work patiently through situations. As Christian Women we are to go to one another directly and speak to each other one on one in love and not judgment, when we have differences. We are to be the examples Christ would have us to be, to our sisters, daughters, nieces etc. Christ showed us everything we needed to see in the characteristics of a great friend.

I’ll name just a few; as you read, ask yourself am I this kind of friend:

Honest, loyal, dependable, trustworthy, generous, kindhearted,

a great listener, respectful, patient, thoughtful and forgiving.

Our maturity in Christ is reflected in how mature we handle our differences in relationships.

As women, we love to hang out together, whether it be shopping together or meeting for lunch, or grabbing a quick cup of coffee together or even just sitting sharing great conversation.

My goodness we even go to the restroom in pairs. We love being together. Some even plan road trips together. These things are so much fun and very much needed to step away occasionally from our daily routines in life. And don’t even mention a good old fashion ladies retreat. Many of us are hungry for a break and great girlfriend time.

Great friendships as great marriages can be hard work. We are all different with different life experiences. We have to be willing to be patient with one another. Remember, an acquaintance and friendships are two different things. In order to have friendships that are deep and lasting they must have the characteristics I mentioned above. Be the kind of friend to others that you want others to be to you.

When you are told something in confidence keep it, don’t spread it. Don’t gossip about anyone especially your friend. Respect her relationship with her spouse and her family. Know where your boundaries are and respect them. Don’t cross lines you shouldn’t cross.

Don’t force your opinions on her. It is OK to agree to disagree. Be willing to listen when she needs to talk. Don’t give an opinion unless asked, just listen. However, if you see your friend on a self-destructive track it is your responsibility not only as her friend, but as her sister in Christ to have a conversation with her. Pray and ask God to give you wisdom to know how to approach her and to give you the right words to say. Then speak to her in a loving non-judgmental way.

Pray for your friend always and be supportive of her goals and dreams not jealous of her successes. Again be to her what you would like her to be to you, and that is a great Godly friend.
Proverbs 27:10
10 Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your parent;
do not go to the house of your kindred in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is nearby than kindred who are far away.
Proverbs 17:9
He who forgives an offense seeks love,
but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.
James 2:8 (NKJV)
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you do well;