The Power of Friendship
On the way to Tennessee, I talked to several of my family and friends. I never turn on the radio; I prefer to talk to someone as I drive. One of my calls was to a blogger friend who has been going through a hard time this year. She and I became friends when she first started blogging and reached out to me. We’ve talked off and on over the years, but we’ve been talking more lately.
My friend is doing better now, but it has been a challenging season in her life, and it isn’t over yet. We were talking about life, challenges, blogging, etc. She asked me how often I did a blog post when I first started blogging and how that has changed over time. I told her I started posting five days a week and then added Saturday and, eventually Sunday to my posting schedule.
I feel like the Lord gave me my blog and I want to post on Sundays to honor Him. But my Sunday posts are stressful because I’m not a preacher or a theologian; I’m just an ordinary person trying to honor the Lord. I mentioned to her that I didn’t know what I was going to talk about this Sunday, and she immediately responded that I needed to talk about being a good friend.
Here are some of the traits of a good friend:
- Be Trustworthy
- Be Dependable
- Be Non-Judgmental
- Be A Good Listener
- Be A Loyal Friend
- Be Supportive
- Be Caring
- Be Fun To Be Around
- Know When To Give Space
- Do Not Spread Gossip About Your Friend
- Does Not Get Jealous of Good Fortune Of Friends
- Be Honest
- Accept Your Friend For Themselves, Don’t Try To Change Them
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Galatians 6:2
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Proverbs 17:17
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
My friend went on to talk about how my friendship encouraged her when she started blogging and continues to encourage her while she is going through a challenging time. I had no idea she felt like that, especially since I hadn’t done anything special. What I saw as nothing special, she saw as uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging.
The beauty of friendship is that it brings two people together in good times and bad. Be that friend; the one others turn to, the one that keeps a secret, the one that is there in the tough times. You never know what it might mean to someone.
Have A Blessed Day!
To God Goes The Glory!
That is such a beautiful biblical
Post of friendship. A friend is definitely a blessing. Thank you for your posts.
I love your Sunday posts. Treasure your friends.
Tania, your Sunday posts help me much more than you know. When I first started receiving your newsletter it was just the fashion aspect I focused on. Now, almost 2 years later I look forward to your Sunday posts just as much. I find them so inspiring! Thank you!
Friendships are God-given gifts!
Thanks for this sweet reminder!
Really love your daily posts but especially the Sunday post. They inspire me to live closer to the Lord!
You’re amazing Tania!
Anita
The relationships women build around themselves are irreplaceable. Thanks for the reminder to thank these wonderful people and God for bringing them into my life.
I learned a lot from my friends this past year. I have a group of friends from high school, 40 years ago. Mostly, I was the friend who would see them 1 or 2 times a year. But this year, when they found out I had cancer, they were all there for me with meals, phone calls, visits, prayers, birthday celebrations, and love. I have learned that we definitely need to be there during the rough times as well as the good times. Thank you for this post. I am most thankful for my friends this year.
Thank you I love your Sunday posts.
Thank you for this post, you have not only uplifted your friend you have done the same for me. I appreciate the bible quotes and the fact you are God fearing and faithful, that was the main reason I started following your blog. Merry Christmas and God bless!
This is beautiful. I’d rather be surrounded by a small group of friends I know I can count on in good and bad times rather than several of the “fair weather friends” we hear of often. My friendships are gifts from God. Some date back to childhood, other treasured souls I’ve added in high school and beyond. I have no “sisters” by birth. I’ve selected mine over the years. Your friend clearly sees the value of a truly loving and supportive friend. Not everyone knows how to fill that role. Clearly you do, Tanya, and she counts you as a blessing. Lovely. BTW, I enjoy your Sunday posts. You often send a clearer message than our pastor 😉🤗