• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Motherhood
    • Purpose
  • Christian Resources
    • Christian Blogging Tips

Salt + Sparrow

Characteristics of True Friendship
Christian Lifestyle

Characteristics of True Friendship: Choosing Loving Truth Over Vain Agreement

July 21, 2022

How can you differentiate a real friend from a fake friend? The answer lies in truth…

I recently had a life experience in which I greatly struggled with knowledge on how to handle. Okay, so I will be more forthcoming. I had a disagreement with my new husband. I was absolutely certain he was in the wrong and I was…well, innocently mistreated, per my usual, well-intentioned, naïve, victim-esque persona.

However, I also know myself well enough to know that being ill for over two weeks, in the process of moving from one house to another, and mothering my two very strong-willed, very active young sons may possibly play into my disillusionment.

So, I called one of my very close friends. She is like a sister to me. I could not love her more. And I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she will give it to me straight, despite the it being a truth I may not wish to hear.

I said these words: “I am really struggling with what is right. What to fight for and what to let go. Please listen. And as much as you may not want to, please be honest with me.”

I went on to explain the whole situation. My friend patiently listened, without interrupting once (which was the first welcome gift she provided).

When I was finished, I expected her to take my side, join me in my hurtful pride, and tell me to fight for what is rightfully mine (bragging rights, I guess)?

She did just the opposite.

My friend, kindly and truthfully told me…wait for it…I was wrong.

Pin this for later…

characteristics of true friendship pinterest

She pointed out parts of the conversation that alluded to my selfish thoughts and even more astounding, my selfish behaviors.

She said she understood how I felt and validated my feelings, but she simply told me I was only seeing one side of the situation. And you know what? She was right!

“Whoever rebukes a man will later on find more favor than someone who flatters with his words.”

Proverbs 28: 23

Seeing the argument with my husband played out within the eyes of a mature, fellow, Jesus-loving friend forced me to experience my disagreement with my husband in a whole new light.

A light of truth.

A light of possibility.

A light of justice.

In which I was, unfortunately, the one in need of punishment for wrongdoing. I had been so blinded by hurt, over-exhaustion, and self-empathy, that I truly did not even attempt to see things the way my husband most likely did.

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Proverbs 13:20

You see, as much as the human character likes a yes-woman, someone who tells us what we want to hear or agrees with us (even when we are blatantly wrong), it is the wise woman that finds friendship with a good-hearted soul not afraid to tell her she is wrong.

The difference between this particular friend and others, whom I would never share anything more personal than a Hollywood celebrity gossip story, is that she, in her godly wisdom, wishes to set me free from descension by being truthful with me, even if that truth is, at times, difficult to hear.

And trust me, this was one of those times.

1 Comment
Share
Manndi Wilkins

Manndi Maphies DeBoef works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and as a freelance writer in her spare time. Her greatest passion is being a boy mom to her two rambunctious, creative, endearing sons, William, age 11 and Waylan, nearly 9. Her sons never fail to provide daily entertainment, which inspires many of her writings. She also loves to write about everything from being a single mom and dating after divorce to finding love later in life, the devastation of miscarriage, the loss of a loved one and starting over. Her pieces are lovingly filled with inspiration, encouragement and always a touch of humor. “Live a life others wish to read about.”

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

The Comments

  • Jenny Penner
    July 21, 2022

    I love you so ver much my precious little sister. I’m so thankful for your testimony. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply

You May Also Like

December 27, 2021

5 Easy Ways to Love Your Neighbor

February 22, 2022

Advice: How to Stay Christian in College

January 27, 2022

St. Mary Magdalene – Who Was She?

Grab your coffee and stay awhile

Welcome to Salt + Sparrow, a place where we learn about Jesus, the Bible, and find big faith in small things.

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Follow on Instagram

Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Nashville

Shop Our Favorites

Bible Study Tools

She Who Is - Christian Apparel

Christian Growth Hub

Truly Simply Healthy

Daily Grace Co.

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • black woman in prayer

    Jesus, I Trust In You

    March 28, 2023
  • Christian Blogger

    Christian Blogging 101: How to Get Started

    March 23, 2023
  • Jesus Revolution movie review

    Jesus Revolution Movie Review

    March 21, 2023
  1. Natasha on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Hey Sandy! So glad you liked the post! Honestly - the biggest thing with publishing new posts is to be…

  2. Sandy Brannan on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Very helpful! Thanks for writing this. What are your thoughts on how often a writer should post a new blog…

  3. Manndi on True Love Comes from GodMarch 10, 2023

    Thank you for the kind words, Sandy! So happy to see you (and your beautiful words) in this space!

  4. Helen on Get to Know the Author of the BibleMarch 7, 2023

    Great story comparison. We need our Bible every day to encourage us how to build our lives to please the…

  5. Sandy on True Love Comes from GodFebruary 15, 2023

    Breathtaking! Oh how He loves you and me! What a lovely way to share the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!"

About

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for o Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for one needed it tonight ❤️

#christianmom #christianmomlife #christianmotherhood #faithfulmom #christianity
Follow on Instagram

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.