How To Build Godly Friendships

Recently, the need to build meaningful friendships is more pressing than ever. This is because of the emptiness and loneliness plaguing the world now. It is crucial for Christians to invest in godly friendships rather than just having friends in general. A godly and meaningful friendship is one where Jesus is at the center. Here, you are constantly loved, supported, encouraged, and motivated to be your best and be the person God made you to be. Essentially, developing a friendship with a believer is an invaluable “bargain”. Jesus’ life and death serve as the best examples of such friendships. 

Greater love hath no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 

John 15:13 NKJV

Tired of meaningless friendships? Looking for friends who will inspire, correct, and uplift you spiritually? These are the ways for locating and cultivating godly relationships:

1. Yearn for godly friends: Do I desire friends that will build, challenge, and motivate me spiritually? Do I think that they are a crucial part of my faith journey? Have I talked to God about it? These are some of the questions we ask ourselves when looking to have godly people around you. God knows our intents and desires. For Him to fulfil our desires, it is only right that we truly want and ask. 

Even the Bible says in 1 John 5:14-15 that:

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

1 John 5:14 NKJV

And when we are done asking, it is important that we believe that He has heard and will answer. Because faith plays a major role in receiving from God

2. Look to the Bible and Jesus for wisdom: Jesus is the perfect example of a godly friend. Looking to build the right kind of friendships? Jesus is the go-to. Through Him, we can learn how to be the right kind of friends. As a result, we attract the right kind too. Also, the book of Proverbs in the Bible is loaded with tips and advice on how to navigate friendships. It teaches on what to look for in a friend as a Christian and how to be the godly friend.

The righteous choose their friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26 NKJV

3. Be present: Friendship is a lot more than receiving. It requires giving and compromising too. God is a loving and caring friend. It is only wise we do the same in our search for God-like relationships. Want the kind of friendship God dwells in and approves of? Love, sacrifices, and care are a must. 

Philippians 2:4 says:

Let each one of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 NKJV

4. Take a leap of faith: Taking an initiative is not the easiest thing to do. We do not want to look desperate. However, we should always go for what we want. If we meet a person or people who seem to tick the godly friend box, do not hesitate to approach them. We must make a conscious decision to welcome and surround ourselves with people who can make our spiritual walk a success. 

Lastly, friendships with God at the center are priceless. These kinds are orchestrated by God and help make your spiritual journey a success. Do yourself some good and look for friends willing to finish heaven’s race with you.