Some of the traits that are highly valued in Christian friendships are honesty, truth, openness and respect. True friends share their victories, defeats and imperfections, allowing their friends to do the same.

Many people aren’t as open and transparent as God calls His followers to be with in their friendships. Instead of being honest and open, some people are guarded, revealing very little of the real person inside.

Before you can truly be honest, open and transparent with your friends, you need to be open and honest with God. Confessing that you have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God opens the door to talking about your imperfections with your friends.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8, KJV 

Although you may know deep inside that God knows everything about you and loves you in spite of your imperfections, you may be afraid that your friends aren’t as loving and forgiving as He is.

If your friends don’t share their feelings and their true selves, you may be inclined to hide your true self, too. Many people hide who they really are from their friends, afraid that others may not like them or might gossip about them.

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. —Joshua 24:14, KJV

Just as Jesus reached out to His Apostles, Christians are called to reach out to friends with openness and transparency. When you show the true person you are, your friends can feel comfortable sharing too.

You may share troubles you have faced that have made you stronger or times you’ve not acted with Christian love and charity. You may also share testimony about how God has worked in your life to share with your friends the Good News of Christ or ways in which God has answered your prayers.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. —James 5:16, KJV 

Praying with and for a friend will make your friendships stronger. Asking your friend to forgive you when you’ve hurt them and to pray for you will deepen your friendship. As you reveal who you really are, your friend may open up to you, offering true Christian friendship, love and support. 

Your friend may be just as afraid of revealing his or her inner self as you are of revealing your inner self. As you share with each other, you will help one another walk in the light of God’s love.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. —Matthew 5:16, KJV

Close friendships are formed with openness, honesty and truth. When you are in step with God’s Word, it’s easier to reach out in Christian friendship. When your friend sees and feels your transparency, he will feel more open to share a deeper friendship with you.

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. —Proverbs 17:17, KJV 

Trust in God to show you the way to deeper and more satisfying friendships. Invite God into your friendships with open arms and a welcoming heart. You will be rewarded with the love and compassion of true Christian friends.

As your friendships grow and deepen in true Christian friendships, so will the love of God you will share. Instead of casual friendship and shallow conversation, strive for deep, meaningful relationships with your friends.

Take off the mask of fear and indifference and reveal your true self, sharing the joy of one of God’s greatest gifts: Christian friendship.