7 Ways to Be a Better Friend

Today’s “7 Series” post is about something very near and dear to my heart – friendships.

7 ways to be a better friend

I don’t know about you, but my friendships have come a long way since high school. I still keep up with a handful of high school friends, but most of my lasting friendships developed in college and beyond. Do you know what you need in and from your friends? Have you ever asked yourself that question? In fact, we may have different friends to meet different needs.

SEVEN TYPES OF FRIENDS

the friend we can tell everything to
the friend that is super driven
the friend that is super chill
the friend from work that you swap war stories with
the friend that’s married with children
the friend that’s single and has a more flexible schedule
the friend she wants to be – All good friends alternate periods of being the best friend, the one you can call day or night, will be there in a heartbeat, at the hospital around the clock, etc. She may not be this friend all the time. She will fit in one of the categories above until she can be this friend again. It’s who we all strive to be!

Chances are, you already have some pretty good friends. They may not have been easy to come by, but they are here now, you love them, and you want to keep them.

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SEVEN WAYS TO BE A BETTER FRIEND

Pray – There is no way to be a better friend to someone than to cover them in your prayers. Show them the love of Jesus every day by lifting her up in prayer.
Listen – Don’t be that friend who constantly is sharing her woes and doesn’t listen to her friend. Each of us faces trials. Cultivating friendships takes effort, and it comes through being present and actively listening to what she is telling you.
Do something – Whether it’s going out for a cup of coffee, dinner, or just hanging out at the other’s house, doing something is a way to show that your friendship matters enough to take action. While a phone call and text message are nice ways to check in (and possibly the only way at times), acting on your friendships takes it further and cultivates deeper meaning.
Loyalty – Many ladies follow the “girl code”, and while I’m not sure exactly what all that covers, I will say this: stick up for your friends. Battle together. It’s the only way to fight the Enemy, and it will deepen your relationship. You shouldn’t share her confidences with anyone else, nor should you expect her to share yours. Honor your friendship by staying loyal. (However, if the friend is heading down a path that will ensnare both of you, lovingly correct her choices. If she resists, it is okay to walk away from any friendship that will lead you into sin.)
Forgive – I have personal experience with learning to forgive a friend whom I felt betrayed by. She also was hurt by my reaction. We have both learned the value of true forgiveness from this event. Things may never be the same for you, but I promise, God tells you to forgive because it releases YOU from negative feelings you may be holding. Freedom is worth it
Give – A simple happy to show your friend you were thinking about her can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It is the gesture of kindness that makes the difference.
Don’t try to be God – I know this one is a surprise, but hear me out. We cannot meet all of our friends needs. Only God can do this. If she is relying on you for more than you feel comfortable for, it is okay to refer her to the help she needs. This IS being a friend. Knowing what to do and when to do it can be the best way to be a friend.