Everyone needs a friend, but a good friend is hard to find. In order to have a great friend you have to BE a great friend.

I Samuel 18:3

And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

Everyone needs a friend, but a good friend is hard to find. Jonathan and David had a great friendship, one that survived some really hard times. What makes a good friend? The qualities in a good friend are loyalty, love, trust, and acceptance of the person as they are, without trying to change them. In order to have a great friend you have to BE a great friend.

Take time today to think- what types of friends do you have? Do you have friends who never call you to see how you are doing? Do you have friends who only call when they need something from you? If yes, it might be time to start praying for some new friends. Ask God to send you a friend like Jonathan was to David. Tell God, you would like a loyal friend, who will encourage you and build you up in your friendship. Seek out friends who love God the way you do, so you may encourage one another in your spiritual walk.

As you find new friends, teach your children how to be a good friend. Read them the story of David and Jonathan in the Bible and what it actually looks like to put another person above yourself. Children do not naturally know how to be a good friend, but they can be taught.

Prayer

Father, Thank You for being a God who loves relationships. You know how important they are because You love relationships so much. God, I do want to be a good friend. I also desire a true and authentic friendship...I am tired of being taken advantage of by my friends. Teach me, God, how to love others the way You love me.