Some people find it really hard to find godly friends. They may even struggle to be a good friend to someone else.

It turns out there’s no real mystery to it other than simple everyday habits. 

Now, if the word “habits” makes you wince a little, I get it. It sounds like a lot of work.

But relationships take work, don’t they?

Good habits can definitely help you find and keep great friendships that will last for a lifetime.

The real key to becoming a friend like Jesus is using His life as a great example to guide us. 

Read on to discover 6 easy habits you can develop every day to help you to become a friend like Jesus to others.

We’ll be diving into John 11, so get your Bibles and let’s go!

This may seem hard for you especially if you empathise with people and just want to see them do well. 

However, knowing when to get involved in your friends' problems is critical to their ability to see God’s hand at work in their lives.

In John 11, Jesus got the news that Lazarus was ill (v. 3). But He didn’t go to him at the same time. 

Instead, Jesus waited an extra two days where He was before He left to visit His friends (v. 6). Why would He do this?

Jesus knew He could heal Lazarus. Everyone knew He was a healer.

But no one had raised anybody else from the dead. And Jesus knew that the miracle would be greater for the people to see that demonstration of God’s power over the grave.

Also, when He eventually went to the cross and was raised on the third day, the people would more easily believe that miracle. If Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and said He Himself would be raised from the dead, wouldn’t you believe Him too?

You don’t need to always jump straight to the rescue when your friends have certain issues. Yes, in emergencies you can do what you can to help them. 

But always let God direct you on when you should help your friends so that they can see God’s power being demonstrated in their own lives.

Every moment that we spend with our friends, we take it for granted that it’s an opportunity for God to get the glory in how we interact with them. 

In John 11:4 Jesus stated that Lazarus’ sickness wasn’t unto death, “but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 

Your words have power to glorify God even when you’re hanging out with your friends. When you’re upset, do you say hurtful things to them?

When we spend time with our besties do we enjoy activities that ultimately bring glory to God?

Jesus spent time with his friends. They ate together, laughed, prayed and did many other things. But He never missed the chance to make sure that God received the glory in His interactions with them.

We can do the same thing every single day by asking God to show us what He wants us to say and do. Even as we laugh and enjoy our friends’ company, God can still get the glory by the way that we conduct ourselves.

This one can be extra challenging, especially if you’re used to always being concerned about what others say and think about you.

Jesus’ disciples questioned Him about returning to Judea to see Lazarus. They talked about the fact that the Jews wanted to stone Him and asked if He was really going to return (v. 8).

He didn’t let that stop Him at all. Sometimes we let the actions and opinions of other people dictate the things we do. 

If Jesus can brave possible violence in order to help his friends, can we brave society’s opinions in order to do the same?

People may say your Christian friends are boring. 

Perhaps they think your friends aren’t cool enough, have no fashion sense or they aren’t pretty enough to hang with. And yes, real people do think like that.

I’m not saying to rush into danger or act as if you have no sense. But make sure that the decisions you make are based on what God directs you to do and not on what other people say or do.

John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the entire Bible - Jesus wept. 

Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that Lazarus would live again.

So why did He weep? I can understand Lazarus’ sisters crying. But why would Jesus weep? 

It’s because His friends were in pain so He hurt with them.

When your friends experience joys and triumphs in life you should be there to celebrate with them. You shouldn’t resent them if your life isn’t what you want it to be at that point in time.

And when they face pain and disappointments you should be there for them to lean on. Cry with them. And help them navigate those difficult times.

Jesus set a great example. He knew the end from the beginning and still cried because at that moment Mary and Martha needed an understanding friend. 

Celebrate and mourn with your friends through the changes that they experience in life. That’s a wonderful way to be a friend like Jesus.

Martha approached Jesus before He even got into town. She told Him that if He had been there then Lazarus would not have died (v. 21).

In verse 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

This is a powerful scripture from Jesus’ own mouth that brings comfort and hope to believers concerning death and eternal life. 

Do we have words of life, hope and comfort within us that we can encourage our friends with when problems arise?

We need to ‘Word up’.

If we don’t spend time reading the Bible we will not have God’s Word in our hearts to share with our friends.

Jesus could always be found reading God’s Word. So in every situation He had words of life to share with those around Him. 

We need to do the same. The encouragement we give to a friend today can make the difference in how they handle life tomorrow.

If you need help getting started with interacting with God’s Word in a fun way, you’ll love Bible Based Purpose-Driven BINGO! Play your way to more time in God’s Word, boost your mental health and enjoy a little treat when you’re done 😍.

At the tomb, in verses 41-42, Jesus lifted His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”

He prayed to God and thanked Him for hearing Him as He always did. But His prayer was really for those who were there so that they could believe.

Jesus always prayed. He didn’t have to think too hard or too long about what to say. It was about opening the people’s eyes to believe that God had sent Him.

Do we pray for our friends and their situations? That they may see the truth of who Jesus is, what He was sent to do and how He can change their situations?

Jesus prayed for His friends and we should do the same.

Wrapping it up.

Whether you’re a brand new Christian or you’re seasoned, these daily habits will help you learn how to become a friend like Jesus. 

All you need to do is practise doing these things every day until they become a part of your lifestyle. 

Remember it takes time and dedication, and failure is part of the process. So if you go off track at any point, that’s completely normal. 

Don’t beat yourself up and lose time worrying about it. Ask God to help you and get right back to it. You’ve got this!

If you need some more info about the importance of community and friendship, check out the article below. It will help you learn some benefits of being part of a great community.

Related: 3 Ways Being In A Community Reduces Stress