3 Kinds of True Friends You May Not Know You Need

Every day we hear people talk about their best friend or their closest friend, but have you ever considered that everyone might need several kinds of true friends? Think about what criteria you use to measure the value of a friend. If you are honest with yourself, perhaps you don’t even know why or how to identify who should be closest to you.

Thankfully, the Bible has many stories of true friends you can use to gain some insight into what you might have or what you’re missing in your circle of friends.

Some of these stories are well known, but there may also be some not-so-popular friendship stories from which you can learn a thing or two about the different kinds of soul connections one can have.

Types of true friends you need

The interceding true friend: Moses and Aaron

In the book of Exodus, there is an inspiring story about Moses, who had a crippling fear of failure, and about speaking to Pharaoh and pleading with God to send him a helper to stand in the gap for him.

God not only gave him an assistant, but He also gave him a true friend.

Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people, and he will be as a mouth for you, and you will be as God to him. – Exodus 4:14, ESV

Years later, when Moses had to lead the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites, yet another impossible task was required of him. As long as Moses kept his hands raised, the Israelites kept winning, but each time he lowered his hands, the Amalekites would gain the upper hand.

Aaron helped him keep his hands propped up until the battle was won.

Do you have an Aaron in your life?

• Someone who can speak for you and echo the same values and beliefs.
• Someone who anticipates your needs and props you up when you are weak.
• Someone who makes you work smarter and easier.
• Someone who dims their light so that you can shine.

The sacrificing true friend: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

In Daniel chapter 3, there is an incredible story about a group of friends who stood up for their beliefs with each other. In this story, Daniel had three friends, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abednego (Azariah), who were taken captive with him from Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

When the three Jewish boys are given an ultimatum to either bow to the King’s image or die, they band together, stick to their vows, and choose to walk into a fiery furnace together.

It was probably that unity of purpose that gave each of them the courage to do the unthinkable and avoid turning on their God in their darkest hour. Perhaps that is where that age-old adage, “to go through fire for someone,” came from!

In the end, God rewarded this sterling example of true friendship by honoring them with His own presence, and we know they all emerged unharmed, with not even a hair on their heads singed or the smell of smoke on their clothing.

Do you have Daniel, Shadreck, Misheck, and Abednego in your life?

• Someone willing to experience the toughest things with you.
• Someone who helps you make the hard decisions and stands by them no matter what.
• Someone who values your life more than theirs.

The listening true friend: Jesus and Mary

There are few instances in Jesus’ life story where we see Him depicted as laid-back and relaxed as He was at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Many times, we hear this story being told to highlight the two sisters’ characters, but there may be a hidden lesson about a different kind of friendship too.

Consider why Jesus seemed to find peace in having Mary simply sit at His feet and listen to Him, even at the risk of upsetting her own sister.

Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:41-42, NASB

She showed Him that she valued His wisdom and welcomed His counsel. In Biblical times, the act of sitting by someone’s feet represented a show of respect and servitude.

As you grow in your walk with Christ, you must not underestimate the role of someone who looks up to you to impart whatever skills, talent, or knowledge God has blessed you with. Knowing that someone values your opinion and guidance is a great motivator for the teacher to strive to be worthy of that trust.

Do you have a Mary in your life?

• Someone who puts their trust in you to guide them spiritually, professionally, or socially.
• Someone who recognizes your gifts and shows you that they want to learn from you.
• Someone who needs you to be strong for them and be a good role model.

Some say friendship is God’s way of taking care of us. Ask God to show you who your Aaron, Mary, or your Shadreck, Misheck, and Abednego are. If you are lucky enough to already know who your true friends are, then treasure them!

If you struggle to make positive connections or friends and are constantly in toxic friendships, you may have a deeper problem that needs professional insight. Reach out to us today and let one of the counselors at Richardson Christian Counseling in Texas help you build friendships that build you up spiritually.