Ivy
5 Ways to Tell When Someone Is a Good Friend
Written by Coach Ivy
How can you tell when someone is a good friend? My client gave me permission to use his story. “Coach Ivy, I was in BIG trouble! I was in charge of this major networking event but forgot to coordinate a setup team.” My client, we will call him Bill, explained with an exasperated look on his face. “Then in walks my two college buddies asking how they can help. Incredible, I mean, they set up chairs and tables in time for the first guest to arrive.” I told Bill he is absolutely blessed to have friends like that. It is important to have good friends in this tough world. Learning reliable ways to tell when someone is a good friend helps you build strong, Godly relationships that support your personal life and business calling. The Bible places high value on choosing friends wisely. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) warns, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Here are five practical ways to tell when someone is a good friend, each with an action step you can apply immediately.
1. They Celebrate Your Success, A Key Way to Tell When Someone Is a Good Friend
True friends rejoice when good things happen to you instead of competing or showing jealousy. This attitude reflects genuine love and the heart of Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV): “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Action Step: Notice how people respond when you share successes this week. Invest more time in friends who celebrate with you.
2. They Speak Truth in Love, Another Important Way to Tell When Someone Is a Good Friend
Good friends gently tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. They want to see you grow and avoid the danger described in Proverbs 14:7 (NKJV): “Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.”
Action Step: Practice receiving honest feedback with gratitude. Ask God to help you apply the wisdom you receive.
3. They Stay Present in Hard Times: A Powerful Way to Tell When Someone Is a Good Friend
You can often tell when someone is a good friend by who remains by your side during challenges. This quality beautifully fulfills Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV): “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
Action Step: Reach out to someone who has supported you in tough times. Thank them and look for ways to encourage them too.
4. They Encourage Your Faith and Purpose, A Valuable Way to Tell When Someone Is a Good Friend
A good friend points you toward Jesus and supports the calling God has placed on your life. They help you walk with the wise, as Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
Action Step: Have an intentional conversation with a close friend about how you can support each other’s spiritual growth.
5. They Show Loyalty and Trustworthiness, A Clear Way to Tell When Someone Is a Good Friend
Loyal friends protect your reputation and keep your confidence. They stand with you through thick and thin. They don’t backstab you or gossip about you. Additionally, they will stand up to others in your defense.
Action Step: Evaluate your inner circle. Strengthen relationships with loyal friends and set healthy boundaries where needed.
Valuable Takeaways
Mastering these ways to tell when someone is a good friend will help you build a supportive circle that honors God. As Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) reminds us, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
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