Our Need For Real Friends

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

One of the most popular TV shows when I was in high school was Hannah Montana. (If you’re reading this and you’re currently in high school or middle school, feel free to make fun of me. But I will stand by my love of this show until the day I die.) There are a lot of reasons why this show was successful, but I truly believe one of the main reasons was because it tapped into something that is so fundamental and foundational to our lives: the need for friendship. 

During one episode in the first season, Hannah Montana sings a song called “True Friend” that outlines so many qualities a friend should have. The song goes like this:

You don’t get angry when I change the plans.

Somehow you’re never out of second chances.

Won’t say “I told you'“ when I’m wrong again.

I’m so lucky that I’ve found

A true friend. You’re here til the end.

You pull me aside when something ain’t right.

Talk with me now and into the night.

Til it’s alright again. You’re a true friend.

That’s the kind of friend we should all be looking for. Unfortunately, in an era of social media, people have replaced real relationships and authentic interaction with Facebook friends, Twitter followers, Instagram likes and TikTok views. As a result, the meaning and value of true friendship is being lost in the shuffle. 

And sadly, the collapse of friendship isn’t solely limited to teenagers and students. The same thing is happening in adult relationships. I truly believe one reason divorce is so high and so many relationships fall apart is because people don’t know how to prioritize being friends. There’s not a real, authentic friendship that is established as a foundation, and consequently, many relationships fail. 

God created us to be social beings. We were not created to try and make it through the ups and downs, the trials and troubles, the good times and bad times all by ourselves. We need friends.

As followers of Jesus, we can’t miss the importance of having strong friendships in our lives. We must understand that authentic friendship is about mutual affection, trust, and the ability to be yourself without fear of judgment. Friendship is reciprocal. It is a two-way street. It means finding someone who sticks closer to you than a brother, like Proverbs 18:24 says.

So if you don’t already have friends like this in your life, I would encourage you to begin praying for God to give you real and true friendships. Ask Him to give you friends who are faithful and who give as much as they take. I can promise you that your life just won’t be the same without them.