5 Traits of True Christian Friends

So, what does a true Christian friendship look like? Let's break it down into traits that are easy to identify.

1. Christian Friends Love Sacrificially

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

Jesus is the finest example of a true Christian friend. His love for us is sacrificial, never selfish. He demonstrated it not only through his miracles of healing, but more fully through the humble service of washing the disciples' feet, and then ultimately, when he laid down his life on the cross.

If we choose our friends based only on what they have to offer, we'll rarely discover the blessings of a genuine friendship.

 Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." By valuing your friend's needs above your own, you'll be on your way to loving like Jesus. In the process, you'll likely gain a true friend.

2. Christian Friends Accept Unconditionally

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

Lying on God's Couch; Loneliness Therapy for Christian Singles

 Have you ever felt that nobody understands what you’re going through—including God?

If you’re unmarried, you may feel that way most of the time. You haven't yet found another person you can share your deepest, most intimate secrets with.

In the midst of our loneliness, we forget that Jesus Christ understands us even better than we understand ourselves. Jesus knows about loneliness.
Why Jesus Understands Loneliness
Jesus' disciples didn't really grasp his teachings. He was constantly at odds with the legalistic Pharisees. He bristled when people came only to see miracles and not to hear what he said.

But there was another side to Jesus' loneliness that was even more poignant. He had all the feelings and desires of a normal human being, and it's not far-fetched to believe that he also wanted to have the love of a spouse and the joy of a family.

Scripture tells us about Jesus: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)

Wanting to be married is not a temptation, but loneliness can be. Jesus was tempted by loneliness, so he does know what you're going through.
Therapy that Gets to the Heart of the Problem
We don't take our loneliness to God as often as we should. Because it's not an audible, two-way conversation, we may wrongly assume that he's not listening. We also have the odd notion that God can't relate to our fast-paced, information-overloaded 21st century.

It Will All Pay Off. :)

"God, I know it will all pay off… I know good things come to those who wait for you, and I’m sure that you know my heart far better than I do, and you know what you are doing. It’s hard to be patient and obedient Father; especially when I see something that I always wanted pass me by, chase me, but I didn’t grab it because you told me not to. It hurts, but I do delight in letting go of myself to give way for more of you in this life. I never realized how much you wanted me until I found myself today, making a choice, maybe a choice that was not that hard, but a choice that led me to realize that my journey is not getting any easier anymore… It led me to see that I really cannot hold on to myself if I wanted to follow you. Though I have always known that, I only came to understand it when I felt the pain of slowly opening my hands and giving up even my dreams to wait for you and for your will to be unfolded before my eyes, It’s hard to not know what would be next, knowing that my dreams could possibly not be fulfilled anymore, But I trust you Father that you know what’s best, even if it means forgetting what I’ve always wanted.

This could be a turning point for me, and I would definitely not forget this, the moment when I learned to really let go of something good for the first time with no reservations at all. I really have no idea of what could be in store next for me, but instead of doubt, it gives me more security and peace; if only I knew from the start that trusting you this much would lead to this kind of contentment, then I could’ve not wasted myself trying to hold on too much on things and trying to make them work on my own. You truly make me love you more each day Lord. As I look on how I’ve walked this life so far, I can never have enough words to describe how good you are to me. Even this whole life cannot fill the gratitude I have towards your faithfulness you’ve shown me through the years. And today Father, I am not afraid to tell the world that I’m not afraid to let go of anything because I know you’re not letting me go, I’m certain that you have everything in your hand and I shouldn’t be afraid of missing anything in this life, for I know that when I have you, I have everything I need, and everything I wanted is found in you. Even if I lose anything in this life, regret won’t fill my heart because you are enough. Even if no one recognizes, cares, honors, helps, believes or looks after me, I know you do; and whenever, wherever, whatever and however I may be, I know you never change. I know it won’t be easy, but I know better how you hold everything in your hands, nothing would be too hard for you.
Once again I will say, “God I know it will pay off” I know you see my heart and my faith. I want to do your will Father, though I haven’t completely Fathomed where you’re leading me, but I want that. Wherever it is, be it.

A Poem Written In the Park

Lord, my God,
the Creator of the heavens and the earth,
and all the things both seen
and unseen,
I thank you for Your eternal love,
for your faithful and everlasting presence
in my life...

My Lord Jesus Christ,
You died on the cross
in my place
so I would be saved from all my sins,
and delivered from
the fire of eternity.

I thank you for letting me see
the beauty of the earth,
the majesty of Your creation,
and for allowing me to listen
to the silent language of the trees around me
in the coolness of this park,
though my eyesight is temporarily blurred,
and the faces of strangers
have been misty for me.

There are many things I wish
to thank you for
in the past two days since I arrived here
in Saigon...

Thank you, dear Lord,
for protecting me
in my travels,
for Your daily provisions,
for the new friends You gave me on my way
who help brighten my day...

Thank you for the soft breeze
in this park,
where I can rest for a while,
under this green shade
where I can hear
the soft melody of the birds
in the park
of this ancient city...

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito