Seeking Godly Friend~Being a Godly Friend

Have you heard about those relationship sites on the Internet where people can specify the kind of companionship they’re seeking? What David wrote about in Psalm 141 in ten verses would sound like one of these advertisements.

Man Seeking Someone to: Listen to me, help me spurn sin, defend my actions, assist in guarding my mouth, remind me of hope, train me in new concepts, help me keep my eyes focused, help me discern, teach me to avoid snares from my enemies, help me plan, strategize along beside me, and enable me to walk safely.

 In short, David asked for accountability. He wanted God to steer him away from evil and to surround him with righteous friends. God doesn’t leave us defenseless. He gave us a valuable gift — the treasured gift of friendship. The Bible unmistakably outlines the role of a godly friend:

•            Godly friends enhance each other’s lives. Their words encourage us in hardship and offer support for our dreams. They listen when we suffer and celebrate our joy. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

•            Godly friends share Christian values that hold us accountable. This friend won’t agree out of fear she’ll hurt our feelings. Sometimes a godly friend’s convicting words sting, but Proverbs 27:6 tells us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.”

•            Godly friends counsel each other. Proverbs 19:20 tells us, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.”

•            Godly friends love unconditionally. They don’t avoid us or abandon us when we’re suffering. Proverbs 17:17 tells us, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

 •           Godly friends believe that prayer is a powerful weapon and use it to fight for each other. Ephesians 6:18 tells us, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Thank You, God, for blessing us with friends. Help us find friends like this — and be that friend too.

Copyrighted and adapted from, “Shining Through the Psalms,” by Deborah Presnell, 2018. Available on Amazon.