The Rebel’s Guide – Be An Imperfect Friend - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (NIV)
Have you ever thought about how Jesus spent his free time?
When He began His ministry, one of His first acts was to invite twelve dudes into His life, who became his friends (John 15:15). Of those twelve, He had three very close friends: Peter, James, and John.
Jesus modeled what connection looks like: He would walk with others, be let down by others, and involved others in His life. Even Jesus had friends (and friendships) that were far from perfect.
Yet, it’s easy to feel like we have to be perfect to be a good friend. We worry about saying the right thing, showing up in the right way, or always having the right advice. But think about the friends who mean the most to you—are they perfect? Probably not. They’re flawed, they make mistakes, and yet they’re there for you when it counts. Friendship isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.
Our role isn’t to be the “perfect” friend; that’s Jesus’ role. We’re called to love as He does—to stand by others even when it’s messy and to forgive quickly.
After all, being an “imperfect friend” means allowing others to be imperfect with us. This means extending grace and understanding when a friend makes a mistake or lets us down. This means being difficult to offend and ready to embrace inevitable conflicts and miscommunications.
Thankfully the Bible doesn’t shy away from this reality. There are countless examples and wisdom on forgiveness, bearing with one another, reconciliation, and most importantly, that friendship is worth it.
Jesus models this kind of faithfulness. He’s the friend who never leaves us, even when we’re at our lowest. He listens without judgment, loves without conditions, and never grows weary of being there for us. We are called to emulate His example.
So where are you today? If you’re in a good season, maybe God is calling you to be this kind of friend for someone else. Or if you’re going through some adversity, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends for support.
Today, let go of the pressure to be a perfect friend. Embrace the fact that God uses your imperfections to reveal His perfect love in friendships.
REFLECTION
This week, look for an opportunity to encourage a friend who feels down or unsure of themselves. Remind them of their strengths and let them know how much you value them. You might be the reminder of what they are longing for: God’s presence.