10 Traits of Christ-Centered Friendships

Who’s your best friend? Does one name immediately come to mind? Perhaps it’s a few names, people who have walked with you through many seasons?

For me, I think of a few groups of people, most of them don’t even know each other. I’ve got those sweet high school friends, our connection forged through tight-rolled jeans and the big hair of the 80s. The college friends who knew me in my worst season of life and still love me anyway. The friends I’ve made through ministry and the various churches we’ve served. And, the ones I’ve connected with online and who are now some of my most precious confidants.

And, no list of friends would be complete without Beth, my precious sister (in-law). We’ve walked through so many hard seasons together. And our friendship has been hard-fought and is dearer to me than words could ever express.

10 Traits of Christ-Centered Friendships — It is to God's glory and a revelation of His work in us when we love others well.

10 Traits of Christ-Centered Friendships

When I look at the lists of my dearest friends, I realize there are two main factors that have led to friendships that last — shared seasons of life and shared love of Christ.

The first one we can’t really control. We don’t always get to choose who comes into and out of our lives in different seasons. But the second factor, we can be diligent about pursuing Christ-centered friendships.

As I considered what those friendships have looked like in my life, I realized there are some common threads in them, some characteristics that transcend personality and situations.

Here are ten of the traits I’ve discovered in Christ-centered friendships.

Compassion

Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing. — 1 Peter 3:8-9

Generous

Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. — Luke 6:38

Encouragement

And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. — Hebrews 10:24-25

Loyal

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Humility

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. — Romans 12:16

10 Traits of Christ-Centered Friendships — It is to God's glory and a revelation of His work in us when we love others well.

Patience

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. — Ephesians 4:1-2

Listening

My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. — James 1:19

Gentleness

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. — Proverbs 15:1

Honesty

Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. — 1 John 3:18

Wisdom

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33


Friendships are a beautiful thing. Our relationships with others are a profound opportunity to show the world how the Lord loves and cares for us. Jesus even reminded His disciples, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Let’s make Christ-centered friendships a priority remembering it is to God’s glory and a revelation of His work in us when we love others well.

xoxo,

Teri Lynne

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10 Traits of Christ-Centered Friendships — It is to God's glory and a revelation of His work in us when we love others well.

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