5 Things to Look Out For When Building Meaningful Friendships

Photo Credit: Madi Rothacher

I was six years old when I met my first best friend. We were in the same first-grade class and had the same birthday. It was a match made in heaven. However, when we entered high school, we drifted apart. There was no bad blood between us; it just…happened. Some friendships, even godly ones, can fade without proper care. It’s so important to nurture meaningful connections while staying wary of ungodly relationships that may lead you astray. 

As someone who has had many friendships come and go, here are five things I look for when seeking meaningful connections:

1. Someone who supports you through the ups and downs.

So many people in this world will tell you they love you but fail to support you during your highs and lows. Consistently letting you down should be a warning sign that they aren’t invested in you as much as you’re invested in them. One-sided relationships will only lead to disappointment and loneliness. 

2. Someone who tells you no.

Contrary to what the world says, you shouldn’t look for friends who encourage you to “follow your heart.” Instead, seek friends who help you follow God’s word and will call you out on your bad decisions. To learn more about the influence friends have on your decision-making, check out this link!

3. Someone who forgives you.

You are going to mess up in life…a lot. You need to find friends who won’t hold your mistakes against you. Now, this doesn’t give you an excuse to walk all over people. This means you should find friends who display Christ-like forgiveness for your mistakes, not decade-long grudges. But, you have to be willing to do the same for them.

4. Someone who encourages you to find your worth in God.

Building relationships with people who pressure you to find your identity in sinful things will lead to a lifetime of anxiety and disappointment. Instead, seek friends who encourage you to find your worth in Christ. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have non-Christian friends. However, your closest friends will influence you as much as you influence them, so choose wisely.

5. Someone who shares similar interests.

You don’t have to be best friends with everyone. You should always be kind, but you don’t need to pour your heart out to people you have nothing in common with. Look for people who you can do life with; that’s where you’ll find deep connections. 

Finding and keeping friendships isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes it’s hard to find a candidate for friendship at all, which can be discouraging. But I promise it’ll get better, especially if you’re willing to try new things. You must be willing to pour into others in order to find people who will pour into you. Check out this resource if you want more tips on how to find godly relationships. 

So go out there and build meaningful connections, or stay and build them right here! At Walking in Worth, we’re dedicated to cultivating a community of girls just like you who want to serve the Lord with dignity together. Walk with us!