We all long for deep, meaningful friendships, regardless of who we are or where we come from. The kind where we are truly known, encouraged, and loved. We weren’t meant to walk through life alone, but finding friendships that offer real depth can be challenging. Thankfully, the church is a family of friends united in Christ, making it a place where lasting friendships can flourish. However, these friendships don’t just happen; they are formed with time, intentionality, and vulnerability.
One of the greatest joys of being a Christian is knowing that Jesus himself calls us friends (John 15:15). Jesus is the ultimate friend, faithful, forgiving, and full of love. He proved this by laying down his life for us. Because he calls us friends, we are called to reflect that same sacrificial love in our friendships.
Scripture offers wisdom on what godly friendship looks like and why it is essential to our walk with Jesus. The book of Proverbs highlights two key qualities of friendship: loyalty and refinement. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that friends love at all times and remain steadfast through every season, while Proverbs 27:17 shows us how friends sharpen and challenge one another to grow in wisdom and holiness.
the church is a family of friends united in Christ
Christian friendships have a depth that goes beyond any other type of friendship. They are the relationships where you are seen and loved, often knowing you better than family. These friends pray bigger prayers for you than you would for yourself. They believe in God’s plans for you even when your faith falters. They weep with you in sorrow and rejoice with you in joy. Christian friends help you tangibly feel God’s love.
Naturally, we form friendships with those similar to us. However, God in his wisdom, unites people from different walks of life through his love and the power of the gospel. Rebecca McLaughlin writes in her book, No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship, “When Jesus calls his followers to love each other just like he loves them, he is calling people who might never have gone near each other into sacrificial-love relationships.” Christian friendship isn’t about convenience. It’s about commitment. It requires patience, grace, and selflessness.
Christian friendship isn’t about finding people who are just like us. It’s about walking together in faith, pointing one another to Jesus, and growing in his grace. Take time to consider your own friendships. Who do you walk in faith with? Are your friendships edifying your faith? Do your friends help you to see Jesus?
When our friendships are centred on Jesus, they become instruments of spiritual growth. As we walk through life together, let’s continually encourage and challenge one another in love, always pointing back to the one Friend who never fails.
