Authors point to these people as ones having low emotional intelligence with chronic sarcasm, totally inflexible, control freaks, extremely impatient, and close minded. One must be careful not to fall into this category. Professionals say a good friend has the following five qualities:
- They can be trusted,
- They are non-judgmental,
- They show up,
- They are present when the pawpaw hits the fan and,
- They don’t put their own interests first.
Such a friend is Jesus, he always shows up, and is ever present by the Holy Spirit. He understands our emotions, listens when we call, allows us to learn, revives us with knowledge and wisdom, is never impatient and will only take over when we allow Him to.
Jesus says this:
My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. And you are my friends if you do what I command you.
John 15:12-14
Loving is part and parcel of friendship, and when we show love, it diffuses conflict and brings out the best in those who seem so unfriendly.
Dear Father, make me humble enough to show your love when it is almost impossible. Make me see the good intentions, positive attributes, and the potential in others, even the unlikable. Show me how to be a friend in every way so that Jesus can be seen in me, Amen.