Friendship was important to Jesus. His genius was building a community of friends who would follow him to the ends of the earth. It was Jesus working through this community that changed the world. What did Jesus teach us about being a good friend?
From Master to Friend
At a certain point Jesus’ relationship with his disciples changed. He went from being their master and teacher to being their friend.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15
Jesus spent a lot of time developing strong relationships with his disciples. Here are the things we see in Jesus that made him a good friend.
Six Characteristics of a Good Friend
1. KINDNESS
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14
Jesus was kind to his disciples. He protected them in the storm. He healed them and their family members. He gently chastised them when they were going the wrong way. He mourned with them in hard times and celebrated with them in good. He was kind.
2. PATIENCE
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” – Prov. 14:29
Jesus was patient with his disciples. There were times when they didn’t understand his teachings and he patiently explained further. There were times when they couldn’t do what he asked, and he patiently waited for them. There were times when they misunderstood, and he patiently rebuked them. Jesus was patient with his friends.
3. ENCOURAGEMENT
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’ …” – Hebrews 3:13a
Jesus was full of encouragement to his disciples. The night before his death, knowing he was facing crucifixion, Jesus encouraged his disciples. Even from the cross he was thinking of his mother and encouraging her.
4. LISTENING
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19
Jesus was a good listener. He never denied anyone an audience. He stopped to listen even when he was in a rush to get somewhere else. He listened even when his enemies were attacking him. He modeled what it looks like to be a good listener.
5. SENSITIVITY
Jesus wept.” – John 11:35
Jesus knew how to feel the hurt and pain of others. He is repeatedly described as feeling compassion. The word “compassion” means “to feel with.” Jesus said that those who mourn will be comforted. Jesus was sensitive to his friends.
6. FORGIVENESS
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Jesus taught his disciples to forgive everyone, including their enemies. Jesus modeled forgiveness when he asked God to forgive those who were crucifying him. A good friend knows how to forgive.
There they are. Six character traits of good friends that we find in the life of Jesus.
What would you add to the list?
