True Friendship That Pleases God

Friendship is one of the most beautiful parts of life. The Bible records many stories of friendship, both between God and human beings and among people themselves. Among them are the friendships of Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Jesus with His disciples.

From their stories, we know how much God delights in friendship. These people went through various tests that proved the sincerity of their friendship with one another.

Here are three stories that teach us the principles of true friendship that is pleasing in God's sight:

1. Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-2)

At times, loss in life can become an opportunity for us to discover a new treasure, namely a friend. They stay near us and remain faithful to stand by us when we no longer have anything.

Because of a famine, Naomi and her family fled from Bethlehem to the land of Moab. There, their lives did not improve. Naomi's husband died, followed later by her two sons. Naomi then decided to return to Bethlehem because the famine had ended. She invited her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to leave and continue their own lives. Orpah chose to leave, while Ruth insisted on following Naomi.

But Ruth said: "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay; your people shall be my people and your God my God.” – Ruth 1:16 True Friendship Begins with a Willing Heart A true friend does not leave us when we fall. They invite us to face together the things that still lie far ahead. It was Ruth's own decision to remain Naomi's friend. She had already gone through hard times with Naomi, and she would be with her in facing an uncertain future. Even though Naomi offered her freedom, Ruth chose the more beautiful portion, namely friendship.

This freedom to choose is also offered by God to us in the form of free will (free will). God wants us to have a relationship with Him not by force. We are free to decide whether to accept or reject that relationship. True Friendship Bears Beautiful Fruit Ruth's faithfulness to Naomi was shown in how she trusted and obeyed her mother-in-law's guidance. Later on, Naomi helped arrange the right time and place for Ruth to meet Boaz, their redeemer1 their (Ruth 3:1-4). Ruth's faithfulness led her to become Boaz's wife. They were later blessed with a son named Obed, who would become the grandfather of David, part of the lineage of Jesus.

A friend values a friend's guidance. Direction from a friend is important because we cannot always see things from every side. There are things our friends know better. And, most importantly, a good friend will bring us closer to God, our Savior.

2. David and Jonathan

True Friendship Is Closer than Family If I am still alive, will you not show me the LORD's faithful love? But if I die, do not ever cut off your faithful love from my descendants. And when the LORD has cut off every one of David's enemies from the face of the earth, may Jonathan's name not be cut off from the house of David, and may the LORD call David's enemies to account.” – 1 Samuel 20:14-16

When he made a covenant with David (1 Samuel 20), Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel. Even so, Jonathan believed that David was God's chosen king who would replace Saul, his father. Instead of holding on to his position as crown prince and siding with his family, he chose his friendship with David. Jonathan chose God's plan over human plans.

The friendship you should maintain is friendship with someone whose life prioritizes God. A friend who values spiritual matters more than material ones will always do what is right for you. True Friendship Honors Promises David said, “Is there still anyone left of Saul's household to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan's sake?”

Now Saul's household had a servant named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” He replied, “At your service.” Then the king said, "Is there no one still left of Saul's household to whom I may show God's kindness?" Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan's son, who is crippled in his feet.” 

–  2 Samuel 9:1-3

Later on, after becoming king, David kept his promise to Jonathan even though his friend was already gone. David sought out Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and brought him to Jerusalem so that his life would be cared for (2 Samuel 9:7-11).

A true friend is one who keeps promises, and keeping promises is a divine character trait. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God promised to save humanity from sin, and He fulfilled it by sending Jesus into the world. Be a friend who does not only demand promises from others, but who also stands firm in your own promises.

3. Jesus and His Disciples

True Friendship Is a Precious Treasure This is My command: that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. 

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because everything I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 

– John 15:12-15

Jesus was willing to give His life for His disciples, whom He called friends. And yet, a human life is beyond price. In this sense, life can also be understood as the time we spend in this world.

A true friend is willing to give their time for you. They are present at the important moments in your life. Be grateful for the people God has given you as friends. Value the time they give to love you.

Jesus also asks us to love one another. Friendship among fellow disciples of Jesus is precious in God's sight. Therefore, love your brothers and sisters in the faith, because they are God's friends and your friends.

Friendship is a choice. We are free to choose whom we befriend, whether good friends or bad ones. What is certain is that good friends can guide our spiritual lives, put God first, and have divine character. When the time comes to choose friends, choose true friendship in the Lord. - Church GKDI is currently 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

Related articles: Break Down Discrimination: Build Fellowship So Others May Be Saved

Inspirational video: