The Importance of a Good Friend: How to Find, Recognize, and Keep True Friendships

Friendship is one of the most valuable parts of life. A good friend can lift you up when you are down, celebrate with you in moments of joy, and encourage you to become the best version of yourself. The Bible reminds us of this truth: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). But why is having good friends so important, how can you find one, and how do you know if a friend is truly good for you - or not?

Why Good Friends Are Important
Having true friends helps us thrive emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. A loyal friend provides support when life gets hard and shares in your victories when things go well. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Good friends:

Reduce loneliness and stress.
Encourage positive growth.
Strengthen faith and character.
Provide accountability and honesty.

Simply put: life is better with good friends by your side.

How to Find a Good Friend

If you’re asking, “How do I find good friends?” the answer begins with becoming one. True friendships grow where there’s honesty, loyalty, and shared values. Look for friends in places where people are striving for growth and goodness - such as church groups, volunteering, school activities, or communities that promote positive living. Also, pray for God to bring the right people into your life. He knows which friendships will help you flourish.

How to Know if a Friend Is Truly Good

Wondering how to tell if someone is a true friend? Here are clear signs:

They support your goals and dreams.
They tell you the truth with kindness.
They keep your confidence and don’t gossip.
They inspire you to grow closer to God.
They forgive and ask for forgiveness.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” If your friendship makes you stronger, kinder, and closer to God, it’s a good one.

What to Do If a Friend Isn’t Good

Not every friendship is healthy. If a friend constantly drags you down, manipulates, or encourages bad choices, you may be dealing with a toxic friendship. The Bible warns, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

What to do:

Set healthy boundaries.
Limit time with negative influences.
Pray for them, but protect your heart and your walk with God.
Seek new friends who uplift you.

Letting go of unhealthy friendships isn’t cruel - it’s wise and necessary for growth.

Final Thought: Be the Friend You Want to Have

Good friends are gifts from God. Cherish the ones who strengthen your faith and character. Work on being that kind of friend to others—loyal, honest, supportive, and loving.

Jesus set the highest example of friendship: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).