The True Meaning of Friendship

Friendship is one of the best gifts we can have in life. A true friend sticks with you through everything—good times and bad—offering support, encouragement, and love. The Bible has some amazing wisdom about friendship, reminding us how important it is to be loyal, kind, and patient. And let's be honest, we all need those solid friendships that make life better, don’t we? When we follow God’s guidance, we can build relationships that bring so much joy and meaning to our lives.

Friends Stick With You No Matter What

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." – Proverbs 17:17

I remember when I was going through one of the most challenging seasons of my life—losing a job I loved and feeling completely lost. It was during this time that I discovered who my true friends were. My best friend showed up at my door with coffee and a listening ear. She didn’t offer solutions or advice; she just sat with me, and that meant the world. Those friends who stay by your side, through the highs and lows, are a true blessing.

Treat Others the Way You Want to Be Treated

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." – Luke 6:31

Friendship is all about mutual respect and kindness. I’ve learned that when I invest in my friendships—whether it’s checking in with a quick message, remembering important dates, or simply being available—it makes a huge difference. There was a time when I got so caught up in my own busyness that I forgot to nurture my friendships, and I noticed the distance growing. It was a reminder that friendships need effort and intentionality.

Humility and Patience Go a Long Way

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." – Ephesians 4:2

Nobody’s perfect—friends make mistakes, have bad days, and sometimes let us down. I’ve learned this the hard way in my friendships. There were times when I felt hurt or misunderstood, but choosing patience and understanding over frustration has helped me grow closer to my friends instead of drifting apart. A real friendship means giving each other grace and not sweating the small stuff.

Friendship Should Be Real and Genuine

"Love one another deeply, from the heart." – 1 Peter 1:22

The best friendships are built on honesty and vulnerability. I’ve found that some of my deepest connections have come from moments of raw honesty—sharing my fears, my dreams, and even my failures. It’s comforting to know that my friends love me for who I truly am, flaws and all. Real friendships go beyond surface-level conversations; they’re about being authentic and truly caring about each other’s well-being.

Letting Love Lead

"Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Love should be the foundation of every friendship. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, offering a kind word, or simply being present, love should be at the core. I’ve realized that the friendships that thrive are the ones where love is freely given—without expecting anything in return. Sometimes, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that make the biggest impact.

The Power of Forgiveness

"Forgive as the Lord forgave you." – Colossians 3:13

Friendships aren’t always smooth sailing. I’ve had my fair share of misunderstandings and disappointments, but I’ve learned that forgiveness is key. Holding onto grudges only creates distance and resentment, while letting go and choosing to forgive strengthens the bond. One of my closest friendships almost fell apart over a miscommunication, but when we both chose to forgive and talk it out, our friendship grew even stronger.

Final Thoughts

Friendship is such an important part of life, but it takes effort, patience, and love to make it last. The Bible gives us some amazing advice on how to be a better friend—kindness, humility, honesty, and forgiveness. When we follow these principles, our friendships become richer and more fulfilling. So, take a moment to think about your friendships—are you being the kind of friend you'd want to have? Let’s cherish the people God has placed in our lives and enjoy the true gift of friendship every day.

If you want to check a short Instagram post on the topic Friendship, you can find it here

What are your thoughts on the topic of friendship? I would love to hear them! ☺️

Warmly,

Norali ✨

Source of the photo here.