God made people for people.

It is not good that man should be alone.  Genesis 2:18

God has given us great guidance on friendship in his proverbs. Friends are important because they influence our walk in life. The wrong friends can kill our faith; the right friends will enhance it.

The righteous should choose his friends carefully,

For the way of the wicked leads them astray.  Proverbs 12:26

Sometimes being a faithful friend requires confrontation, disagreement, and possibly even correction.  Withholding the truth from a friend simply because it may hurt their feelings is too simplistic for deep relationships. Some wounds are helpful,

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.  Proverbs 27:6

Sometimes being a good friend requires us to speak healing words.  These words that bind can be anything from an encouragement, an offer of forgiveness, or even a piece of advice,

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,

And the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.  Proverbs 27:9

Well crafted honesty is essential to friendships,

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.  Proverbs 27:17

When friends clash, they should plan it for the betterment of the other. We should formulate the timing and words of our clashes for our friends benefit.  Poor friends avoid conflict, for they are interested in self comfort over the betterment of the other.  Our greatest friend is Jesus,

You are my friends if you do whatever I command you…

You did not choose me, but I chose you.  John 15:14

Do you have Christian friends? Are you a good Christian friend?

Denis Oliver