The Heart of REAL Friendship
There were seasons when I could sit in a crowded room and still feel unseen. Then God, in His kindness, sent a friend who changed my life forever. Through her, I learned what it meant to be truly seen and heard, appreciated and valued—and most of all, to be loved. We met in a Bible study soon after I came to faith, and her friendship helped shape my walk with God.
Since then, God has brought other friends into my life—each one uniquely used by Him to shape me further and reveal more of His beauty through their lives. Some have encouraged me in seasons of doubt, others have challenged me to grow, and all have shown me glimpses of God’s heart in their own unique ways.
C. S. Lewis once wrote that friendship is like heaven breaking into earth:
“Friendship is not a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals the beauties of all the others to each.”
Friendship Requires Giving and Receiving
True friendship is a two-way street. It thrives on trust, love, genuine concern, and a deep interest in each other’s lives. A friend may open their heart to you, but you must be willing to share yours too.
Relationships aren’t built in a moment. They require time, intentional effort, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Friendship like this doesn’t just happen; it’s cultivated.
That’s why I try to be REAL in my friendships:
Respect — Honoring a friend as someone with irreplaceable value.
Encourage — Speaking grace-filled words that build confidence and strength.
Accept — Offering compassion, forgiveness, and grace for imperfections.
Love — Genuinely wanting God’s best for them.
Human Love Needs Divine Love
Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that a friend loves at all times—not just when it’s easy. But even the closest friendships can’t fully sustain us apart from the love of God.
Friendships can be lost through distance, misunderstanding, or death. One of my dearest friends is now in her eternal home. I miss her deeply—her wisdom, her comfort, and the way she seemed to know just what my heart needed. Yet I’m profoundly grateful for how her faith shaped and strengthened my own.
I have yet to find another friendship with the same depth of meaning and connection. That’s why divine love is essential. Even when human love fades or falters, God’s love remains—healing, restoring, and binding us together in Him for eternity.
The Greatest Friendship of All
Jesus said:
“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)
St. Augustine explained:
“You only love your friend truly when you love God in your friend, either because God is in him or so that God may be in him.”
This means every friendship in Christ has an eternal purpose. When we encourage each other with God’s promises, we equip one another to persevere in faith.
“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)
A Challenge
It’s a privilege to experience intimate friendship with Jesus. When God transforms our hearts to love others the way He loves us, we grow closer to His likeness. Thank God for one friend who’s been REAL in your life. Then ask Him how you can be that friend to someone else.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for the friends You’ve placed in my life. Help me to be REAL—to respect, encourage, accept, and love in a way that reflects You. May my friendships draw others closer to Jesus. Amen.
