Know These 3 Important Things Before You Have a Best Friend

One day, a fellow church member asked me a question. “Do you have a best friend in church?”

That question hit me hard because it made me realize that I did not have a best friend within the church.

After my friend explained some of the benefits of having a best friend in church, I began learning to open myself up to friendship. Praise God, by the end of last year I already had a best friend in church.

However, after living it out, it turned out that friendship was not as simple as I had imagined. My friend only laid out the benefits, but forgot (or “deliberately” forgot) to mention the price I would have to pay for a friendship.

Wait, does that mean a best friend has to be paid for or what?

The High Cost of a Friendship

Having a best friend in church gives us a number of benefits, including:

• A best friend will watch over our soul. When we are weak, a best friend will remind us and support us so we can rise again.
• A best friend always walks with us. We are not alone in living this life.
• A best friend always loves us. Often, the people around us are busy with their own affairs, so we feel forgotten or unloved. A friend will always remember and care for us.

However, in friendship we must not only demand benefits and think of ourselves. There are three important things we must know and apply in friendship:

1. Friendship Requires Sacrifice (Give and Take)

A friendship is a two-way (mutual) relationship, not a one-way relationship like a speaker with an audience. When I first had a best friend, I rejoiced in this two-way relationship. However, friendship is not only about being loved, listened to, and given to, but also about loving, listening, and giving. It’s a give and take relationship. And this requires what we call sacrifice.

Having a best friend means you must be ready to give. If you want to have someone who is always there every time you need them, then you must also be ready to be sought out at any time, especially when that person is down or needs help. Life is not only about you. Everyone has their own struggles.

One of the best friends in the world is the Lord Jesus. He did not put Himself first; He was even willing to give His life for His friends.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13

Just as an example Jesus gave, that is also the standard He expects from us: not a selfish friendship, but one that is willing to sacrifice and keep giving. More than that, God wants us to love others as ourselves.

Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his armor, even his sword, his bow, and his belt. – 1 Samuel 18:3-4

“And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39

2. Staying Close to God Is Non-Negotiable

What does having a best friend have to do with staying close to God?

Friendship is a means God has given to support our spiritual growth. A good friendship will keep us on the path of salvation, which you can learn more about in this article.

This is why being close to God is important, because …

3. We Keep Watch Over a Friend’s Soul

Yes, you are the one who will keep watch over your friend’s soul. And it’s a big responsibility.

Generally, people will listen to the advice of those closest to them, especially a best friend. If you are spiritually “healthy,” you can give good and right advice to your friend. However, when your spiritual life is weak, you may give unwise counsel. If the blind lead the blind, both you and your friend will fall into a pit.

That is why you must be strong in the Lord. As a friend, automatically you also become an influencer (at least on a small scale). Your opinions and thoughts will be considered by your friend. And so that you both stay on the right path, you need to fear the Lord. You cannot change someone else 100%, but you can guard yourself in the Lord so that you are able to guard your friend’s soul. How do we guard ourselves? By building a close and deep relationship with God through personal devotions and prayer. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. – Hebrews 13:17

At first glance, the verse above seems to be addressed to leaders. However, I believe this does not apply only to leaders, but also to us as the congregation or the body of Christ. We all play an important role in guarding one another. We are responsible for the salvation of our friends’ souls.

Everyone wants to have a best friend. But are you ready to be a best friend? Are you ready to pay the price for a friendship?

This question is certainly not meant to make you back away or discourage someone who wants to build a friendship. As social beings, human beings need one another. For that reason, I want to remind you: To have a best friend means you have to be a best friend. Prepare yourself to be the best friend, and you too will have the best of friends.

*Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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