Submitted by Pastor Cathy Riggins, Good News Church / Westboro Methodist Church

I recently had the honor of officiating a beloved Atchison County resident’s funeral and as per usual I ended up being blessed just as much as I hoped to bless the family and the friends of this lovely sister in Christ. She did not have a big family but she had an amazing group of friends that had been together and adding people since high school. As I sat in the service listening to all of her friends talk about her laugh, her compassion, and most of all her faith, I realized how important good strong Christian friendship is. 

The idea of friendship is found all throughout the Bible, but the best example of a friend, of course, comes from Jesus. He showed us through his relationships and interactions with His disciples how to be a good friend and what true friendship really looks like. So I want to share just a few of the qualities that are important to look for in Christian friends and that are important for us to strive for in our own actions.

First and foremost, a good friend is one who loves you and either brings you into relationship with Christ or strengthens your relationship with Him. This is something we should all look for in every relationship, a disciple’s heart.    

Next, a true Christian friend will be encouraging. One way they do this is by sharing God’s word with you when you are discouraged or need help. They pray for you and listen to show you God’s love. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)

And, of course, a good Christian friend needs to be forgiving. We all need to be forgiving of one another and never hold any grudges. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13, NIV)

And lastly, a true friend is there for you when times are hard. Life is not easy. Jesus tells us that we will face many trials but He doesn’t want us to face them alone. A friend will be there in those moments and help you give your burdens to Jesus! “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Having friends is so important, because they not only lift our spirits and give our life a deeper meaning but they can and should boost our relationships with Jesus! So as the Friendship Day festival (September 28) in Tarkio draws closer may we not only focus on being good friends to those we love but may we reach out and make even more!

Happy early Friendship Day!