Characteristics of a True Friend

Webster dictionary’s definition of friend – One attached to another by affection or esteem; A favorite companion.

“A friend is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” – Aristotle

Deuteronomy 13:6 (NKJV) – …or your friend who is as your own soul,…

“Someone who knows all about you and likes you just the same.” – Unknown child

There is something unique and special about you.  Who you are is enough! You are the person that Almighty God made. The transformation process is the process of becoming who you are!  There’s a treasury on the inside of you that you are yet to see and there are times you need a real friend to help discover who you really are.

 

A True Friend Is Constant

Proverbs 17:17a (NKJV) – A friend loves at all times.

Constant vs Consistent – Constant means it doesn’t change and doesn’t vary.  Consistent means to agree with, or to be in accord.  Faithful and constant in love and devotion. We may not always agree, but I will always be your friend.

“You don’t make a judgement on my entire life based upon one season.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

Christ was the depiction of constancy.

John 13:1 (NKJV) – Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

 

A True Friend Is Honest

Proverbs 27:5-6 (NKJV) – Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

“Tell me the truth, rather than let me go on in error.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

“Someone who is honest with you is a true friend.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

“A lot of times we are asking for the truth, but we can’t handle the truth emotionally.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

A True Friend Will Offer Wise Counsel

Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV) – Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

“True friends will never counsel us in opposition of the Word of God.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

We must be careful not to gather people who will just confirm what we want to hear.

Psalms 1:1 (NKJV) – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…

“Sometimes your blessing is in what you don’t do.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

A True Friend Will Make You A Better Person

 

Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) – As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Many times we are intimidated by people who are sharp, who stand their ground, and are quick.  We should consider these people blessings in our life, not be intimidated by them.

“If you are going to be sharpen, it’s going to take some friction.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

“Whatever the fragrance you’re going to be smelling like what you’ve been around.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

If you are around winners, people of discipline, people after God’s heart, that will get on you.  But if you are around those walking ungodly, that will get on you.

How DO Friendships Develop and Thrive?

• Self-Disclosure – Revealing of one’s self through experiences
• Proximity – Closeness that is fostered through nearness and interaction
• Similar Values and Attitudes – There is a commonality of beliefs, philosophies, and ideals

“Anytime you see a breach in a relationship, there is a value issue.” – Pastor Billy Johnson