What makes a good friend?

On December 25, 2010, a 42-year-old woman in the UK posted a farewell letter on a well-known social networking site. Her message sounded like a desperate request for attention. Although the woman had more than a thousand social networks of "friends" online, nobody came to her aid. A day later, the police found her body. She had taken a fatal overdose.

Today, modern technology enables us to turn hundreds, even thousands, of social networks into "friends" by simply adding their names to our list of computer contacts. And if we want to end one of these "friendships", we simply delete that person's name from our list. However, the tragic incident with the woman in Britain underscores an amazing reality of friendship..

Like most people, you probably agree having friends is important. You may also be able to read this on a computer screen or on a smartphone and know that there are qualities we need to see in a person than just easy clicks . What are you looking for in a friend? How can you be a good friend? What does it take to make a friendship last?

Consider the following four guiding principles and how the Bible's practical advice can help you become a friend.

1. Show that you are really interested

True friendship involves commitment. In other words, a good friend feels responsible to you, and he really cares about you. Of course, such a commitment is bipartite, and it requires hard work and sacrifice on both sides. But the rewards are worth the effort. Ask yourself, "Am I ready to give of myself, my time, and my resources for my friend?" Remember, to have a good friend, you must first be a good friend.

WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A FRIEND

Irene: "Like cultivating a beautiful garden, building a friendship requires a lot of time and diligence, start being a good friend yourself, be generous in showing affection and personal interest, and be ready to sacrifice your time. if you are needed. "

Luis Alfonso: "Modern society tends to promote egoism rather than altruism, so it means a lot if someone truly cares about you without necessarily expecting anything."

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

"Just as you want men to do something to you, do the same for them, give, give, and people will give you." (Luke 6:31, 38)

Here Jesus recommends true selflessness and generosity. This generosity promotes good friendships. If you impersonate your friends without expecting anything, they will naturally be attracted to you.

2. Be a good communicator

A true friendship can not thrive without regular communication. So talk about the interests you share. Listen to what your friend has to say and respect his opinion. Whenever possible, recommend and encourage him. Sometimes a friend needs advice or even correction, and that may not always be easy to do. However, a loyal friend will have the courage to point to a serious guilt and offer tactful leadership.
WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A FRIEND

Juan: "A true friend should be free to express his opinion, but not upset if you disagree."

Eunice: "What I value most are friends who are willing to spend time with me and listen to me, especially when I have problems."

Silvina: "True friends will tell you the truth - even if they know it's going to hurt - because they have your best interests in their hearts."

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

"Everyone has to listen fast, speak slowly, tease slowly." (James 1:19) Good friends always appreciate an open ear. However, the monopolization of the conversation conveys the message that we believe that our opinions are more important than theirs. So be alert when a friend wants to share his innermost thoughts and concerns. And do not be offended if he is honest with you.

"The wounds of a friend are faithful," says Proverbs 27: 6.

3. Have realistic expectations

The closer we get to a friend, the more likely we will see his mistakes. Our friends are not perfect, but we are not. Therefore, we should never expect or demand perfection from the people we make friends with. It is good to appreciate their virtues and consider their mistakes.

WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A FRIEND

Samuel: "We often have higher expectations of others than of ourselves. If we recognize our own mistakes and our own need for forgiveness, we are more willing to forgive others."

Daniel: "Accept the fact that your friends will make mistakes, and if problems arise, we'll do well to quickly resolve them and try to forget them."

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Are you ready to forgive? (Colossians 3:13, 14)

"We all stumble often, and if one does not stumble in the Word, he is a perfect man, capable of restraining his whole body." (James 3: 2) Understanding this simple truth can help us, understanding our friends to be. This in turn will allow us to overlook minor flaws and shortcomings that might irritate us. The Bible says,

"Keep up with each other and forgive each other freely, even if someone has a reason to complain to another ... But dress in love with all these things, for it is a perfect bond of union "(Colossians 3:13, 14).

4. Expand your circle of friends

It's true that we have to be picky about the people we identify with. But that does not mean that we limit our selection of friends to those of a certain age or education. An interest in people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and nationalities can really enrich our lives.

WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A FRIEND

Unai: "Just being friends with those of your age who have the same taste as you is wearing clothes in your favorite color, no matter how much you like that color, eventually you'll be bored."

Funke : "The expansion of my circle of friends has given me the opportunity to mature as a human being, I have learned to cope with people of all ages and backgrounds, and that has made me more open-minded and adaptable, and my friends really appreciate that."

Are you reaching out to people of all kinds?​—2 Corinthians 6:13

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

"In answer - I speak to my children - you also open your hearts wide" (2 Corinthians 6:13). The Bible encourages us to reach people of all kinds. This inclusive, impartial view of friendship can make your life more diversified and make you more popular with others.