5 Signs of a Healthy Friendship (And How To Build One)

Friendships are such a gift from God. They’re where we laugh till our stomachs hurt, cry when life feels overwhelming, and grow into the people God calls us to be. A healthy friendship doesn’t just happen, though — it takes love, effort, and a whole lot of grace. Keep reading for five key signs of a healthy friendship and how you can cultivate these qualities in your relationships.

1. Your Friendship Is Built on Love

True friendship thrives on love — not the mushy kind, but the real, Christ-like kind. A healthy friendship means you both care for each other's well-being, offering encouragement instead of judgment. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that “love is patient, love is kind... it keeps no record of wrongs.” Friendship like this reflects God’s heart.

How To Build Love into Friendships:

• Speak kindly, even when it’s hard.

• Look for ways to encourage instead of criticize.

• Be quick to forgive and forget past mistakes.

2. You Trust Each Other

Healthy friendships are safe. You can share your struggles, hopes, and dreams without fear of being judged or gossiped about. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Trust keeps you anchored to each other.

How To Build Trust:

• Keep your friend’s secrets private.

• Stay honest, even when it’s tough.

• Show up when you say you will.

3. You Cheer Each Other On

A true friend is your biggest cheerleader! They celebrate when you succeed and push you closer to Christ when life gets tough. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls, one can help the other up.”

How To Build Encouragement:

• Celebrate your friend’s wins, big or small.

• Send a quick text or prayer when they’re struggling.

• Remind them that God has a plan for their life.

4. You Can Be Real with Each Other

Healthy friendships are a space to be completely yourself. You don’t have to wear a mask to be loved. James 5:16 encourages us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” That kind of authenticity isn’t just nice; it’s life-changing.

How To Build Authenticity:

• Share what’s really on your heart.

• Accept your friend for who they are, flaws and all.

• Pray for one another regularly.

5. Your Friendship Grows Spiritual Roots

A healthy friendship has a foundation in Christ. You inspire each other to grow in faith and keep Him the focus. Proverbs 27:17 puts it perfectly: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

How To Build Spiritual Connection:

• Pray together and for each other.

• Share what God’s been teaching you.

• Make church, Bible study, or worship part of your friendship.

Friendships take work, but they’re worth it. When you love like Jesus, build trust and encourage each other, your friendships reflect God’s love in the most beautiful way!