How to Make and Keep Godly FriendsSample

Be Friendly

The Bible says that if you want friends, be friendly (Proverbs 18:24). That seems like kind of a no-brainer, but if you’re introverted and shy, it can be uncomfortable to put yourself out there.

So ask God to help you. He knows you better than anyone. Psalm 37:23 says “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” He can lead and guide you across the path of any number of people who can become a good friend to you.

The first step to making and keeping godly friends is, surprisingly, to put God first in your life (Matthew 6:33). When you seek to strengthen your relationship with your Heavenly Father, you become more like Him, and truly He is the best kind of friend. He can work in your heart, your attitudes, and your love-walk to help you perfect your relationship skills.

One key to making good friends is to focus on them, not yourself. Rather than working to find or keep godly friends, focus instead on being a godly friend.

Ask yourself, “What am I looking for in a friend?” and work to become like that yourself. What are some qualities of a godly friend? A godly friend is kind and thinks of others before themselves. First Corinthians 13:5 says that the love of God that’s in you is not self-seeking–it’s not selfish, but puts others first. Make an effort to be like that–to truly listen to people and care about their needs ahead of your own.

When you’re down, a godly friend encourages you (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Be an encourager yourself. A true friends always tells you the truth, stands by you, is quick to forgive, is thankful for you, shares what they have, and helps you whenever you need it. Godly friends pray for you (James 5:16).

Focus on strengthening these qualities in your own life, and you’ll be surprised by how they can attract godly friends or help you deepen your relationship with those you already have.