In Proverbs 17:17, we are told that “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

It is extremely difficult to be a friend who loves a friend in all the seasons of a person’s life. The more I study Scripture, though, the more I learn how to be that friend. I’ve learned that loving my friend means crying with my friend, praying with my friend, laughing with my friend, and grieving with my friend.

I have also learned that loving my friend means I must take the time to truly listen to my friend rather than freely offer my opinion; sometimes, I’ve found, it’s better to not give an opinion at all. Probably the most difficult lesson, however, is that loving my friend means forgiving my friend when their words are sharper than usual or when their mood is sour, and I’m at the receiving end of that sourness. Although not excusing rude behaviour, I have learned to remind myself that sometimes people have ‘off’ days because (and this will come as a shock to some) we are human.

Below are some ways I have appreciated someone being a friend to me, and some ways I try to be a friend.

Listening – Being someone who will listen, rather than constantly giving advice, is rare. I appreciate these friends more than they know.

Praying – Praying for a friend is one of the most loving things to do. Hearing a friend entreat the Lord on my behalf is something I covet.

Sitting – Sometimes all I need is for someone to sit with me. Companionable silence is so rare these days that when I find someone willing to do this with me it is time I treasure.