Have you ever taken the time to examine your friendships? Have you considered the strengths, weaknesses and motives behind your relationships? Even close friendships can be complex and challenging occasionally, can’t they? Issues like misunderstandings, hurt feelings and disagreements can be difficult to navigate and work through.

Strong, healthy friendships are important to the heart of God. He desires that His children unite and bond together in close, intimate relationships. We certainly need God’s WISDOM to be the kind of friend that He wants us to be, don’t we?

Gratefully, the Bible gives us some qualities of a LOVING FRIEND in 1 Corinthians 13. It describes love as being patient, kind and truthful. God wants us to love others as He loves us. His love is total and complete, and it will never fail or let us down.

It is only possible to live in this kind of love when we walk with God DAILY. The Bible tells us that God IS LOVE (1 John 4:8) and we are to be imitators of Him (Ephesians 5:1). We are called to live a life of love, just as Christ loved us. This love is more than a feeling, it is a choice and an action.

God’s kind of love is not self-seeking, proud or boastful. It looks to the needs of others. His love is directed outward, not inward. It is only when we discover how much God loves us, that we can truly love others in this way.

Let’s ask God to help us be a LOVING friend in our words and our actions. Let’s show God’s love to those around us as we practice and develop these beautiful traits in our hearts. Let’s be the best friend we can be for the glory of God!

Here are some things to ponder this week, as you spend time alone with God:

• Are you facing a challenging time with a friend right know? Spend some time talking to God about it.
• As you examine your friendships, what do you see?
• Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Do you see any qualities that you may need to work on to become a better friend?
• Is your love for others directed more outward or inward?
• What is God calling you to do to be a better friend?
• Remember, God loves you DEARLY and His ways and plans for you are always the best!