Friends are the chosen few people who will speak truth into your life through the good and bad seasons. Because they love you, they are committed to encouraging growth and refinement in your life. This means being honest with you about your weaknesses. Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde said, “True friends stab you in the front.” 

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Jesus is the best friend you can have, and as Christians, we are called to be like Jesus. A Christ-like friend will stick closer than a brother. Your true friends are committed for the long haul, come what may. Challenges, sicknesses, losses—a great friend will be there through it all. Friends are a gift from God used to help us build community and sharpen each other. The quality of your friends determines the height of your success. Make sure you acquire a small group of Christ-centered friends who can speak truth and encouragement into your life, and you do the same for them. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

9 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Here are 8 simple things you can do to be a good friend:

1) Pray For Them

2) Send Them An Encouraging Text/Note/Message

3) Talk Good About Them In Front Of Others When They Are There

4) Talk Good About Them To Others When They Are Not There

5) Get Them A Gift That Will Encourage Them On In Their Dreams/Hopes/Calling

6) Ask For Their Advice On Issues You Are Dealing With

7) Be There To Listen When They Need To Talk

8) Pay Attention To Their Needs And Help Where You Can