Are You Surrounded by Acquaintances or Friends?

Life was never meant to be lived solo.There are way too many challenging times and dangerous detours to make the journey alone. Solomon said, “Two are better than one … Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

But far too many believers are surrounded by acquaintances rather than true friends.

Here are three characteristics of true friendship.

1. True friends are loyal.
Fair weather acquaintances come and go. They are circumstantial and situational connections. They are with you only in times of common activity and convenience. They are around as long as you have something they need. But a true friend “loves at all times;” they “stick closer than a brother” (Proverbs 17:17; 18:28).

 2. True friends experience faith.

Drinking buddies are a dime a dozen. Recreational friends are there for the game. But true friends share a deep commitment to Christ. That spiritual connection develops a bond. The relationship is rich because of Jesus. Certainly you should share your faith with those who don’t know Jesus, but you can’t experience your faith with nonbelievers.

 3. True friends give honest counsel.

Acquaintances will tell you what they think you want to hear. That keeps the conversations and commitments on the surface. But true friends are invested. They care enough to speak truth even when it hurts. That’s why “wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Proverbs 27:6). If people around you are not willing to have hard conversations, they are not true friends.

What are some additional characteristics you look for in true friends?