Friends are Faithful and Loyal

When we have to say no to others to remain faithful to Christ and are punished for it, we know that person does not love us and is not our friend.

David and Jonathan of the Bible show us what a deep, loyal friendship looks like. 1 Samuel 18

Ruth and Naomi show us the loveliness of loyalty and companionship as it looks from God's perspective. Ruth 1:16-17

Jesus Christ called His disciples friends; they were willing to die for Him, and He died for them. John 15:15

Proverbs 17:17 "17 A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 27:17 "17 As iron sharpens iron,
So one person sharpens another."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; 10 for if [a]either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not [b]another to lift him up!"

John 15:13 "13 Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends."

Proverbs 18:24 "24 A person of too many (unreliable) friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 27:9 "9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend."

Proverbs 27:6 "6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But [a]deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."

In conclusion, an authentic friend is honest for your good, does not pretend friendship, and goes through with you with the intention of helping rather than earning points for themselves.