A godly friendship is a supportive relationship, filled with mutual service and affection. Godly friends move away from self and toward loved ones. They seek their friends' welfare and find joy in the prosperity of their friends. Their sorrow is in their friends' misfortune and grief. Godly friends enjoy doing and enduring for each other. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13).
Godly friendships are self-sacrificing and life-transforming. The intimacy we long for is found in Christ and expressed through godly friendships. Jesus said to His disciples, "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). A godly friend is given information that no one else has, building precious intimacy.
Godly friendships are self-sacrificing and life-transforming.
Godly friendships are fruit-bearing. No one in the universe wants you to reach your potential more than God—and He knows your greatest potential will be expressed through your love for others. Jesus loves you unconditionally, and it is from a place of unconditional love that godly friendships are formed. As we grow in the qualities of a godly friend, we must keep our eyes fixed on Christ because He is the perfect model of a true friend. For, in the greatest display of love, He gave His life for us.
Just as God took the initiative in choosing us as His friends and in securing peace between us and God through His sacrifice (see John 15:16), so, too, we must take the initiative to build friendships. Godly friends do not wait for the other person to need, to trust, or to love them. They step out, by faith, in love and service.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to step out in faith, taking the initiative to build godly friendships. Help me to be a godly friend to those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Godly Friendships: LISTEN NOW
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