As adults, we often find it challenging to find quality friends. Cultivating a friendship built on the principles of loving and praying for our neighbors and friends is what God calls us to do. He wants us to be good stewards of our friendships. Respectful, giving, helpful, trusted confidant, understanding, and loyalty are some qualities that we want to have in a friend. We long for meaningful relationships and crave the aspect of a peaceful and loving friendship.
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9
Open your ears to one another
We enjoy giving our friends feedback about something they are personally experiencing. We may want to speak up because we may have similar experiences. There are times when we should offer advice and times when your friend may just want a shoulder to cry on. Be that friend.
Pray for one another
One of the best gifts you can give a friend is to pray for them. A simple prayer for God to watch over them and their families, provide what they need, and one specifically for them will be a blessing not only for them but for you as well. God loves when we pray for others.
Support one another
I love the relationships I have built with my friends. Over the past 13 years, I have made some truly amazing friends. They have opened their homes to my family and me while I was sick and unable to care for myself. They prepared meals and brought them to my home. Since we are homeschoolers, they also helped me with teaching my daughters. When any of us are in need, we are there to support one another.
Be happy for one another
Choose love and not envy, support, and do not be critical. Jealously will take so much from you. Your happiness and your peace. God wants us to be at peace. Sometimes we feel jealous. It happens but it’s what you do next that determines your thoughts and actions. Change your mindset. Be excited about the wondrous things happening in your friend’s life. Be genuinely happy for them.
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30
We need friends that will be close to us. Someone we can share deep thoughts with beyond the surface conversations and know they will hold our stories dear to their heart. It is good to give and receive biblically sound advice. If you do not have that friend, pray about it. Sounds basic, right? It is. Pray and find scriptures about being a good friend. Surround yourself with friends who will not corrupt your character.
Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Choose the company of those who will pray and cry with you. Celebrate one another and your accomplishments. Love one another as God loves us and you will find yourself comforted with a friend that refreshes your soul.
About the Author:
Patrice Hernandez is a Best-Selling Author, Entrepreneur, Hope*Writer, and Educator. She enjoys sharing magical moments in her life with hopes to show that no matter how big or small, we all experience beautiful moments each day. Moments that are filled with gratitude, love, and hope for all that we desire in life.
Patrice seeks to slow down and soak in all that the Universe has to offer. She believes that life is beautiful and if we just all take the time to slow down and breathe, we will truly experience life versus letting it pass us by.
Connect with Patrice:
https://www.instagram.com/lady.patrice/
https://www.facebook.com/patrice.hernandez
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