What this comes down to: Strong friendships are not found. They are formed by the kind of person you choose to be.

But strong friendships are not built by finding the right people. They are built by becoming the right person in someone else’s life.

In the Bible, David, who would later become king of Israel, had a friendship with a man named Jonathan during a critical season of his life. Their relationship shows what healthy friendship actually looks like over time.

A good friend is willing to sacrifice

Healthy friendships are not built on convenience. Jonathan was in a position to benefit himself, but he chose to support David instead. He gave up what could have been his advantage for the sake of the relationship. That kind of sacrifice is what strengthens a friendship.

Most relationships stay shallow because they are built around what is easy. But meaningful friendships require time, attention, and a willingness to show up when it is not convenient.

If you want strong relationships, it starts with choosing to give, not just receive.

A good friend is loyal

Loyalty is not just about being present. It is about being honest. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted.”

Loyalty shows up when things are not going well. There were moments when David’s life was under pressure, and Jonathan had a choice. When he could easily choose to stay silent, he instead chose to stand with his friend. 

A good friend is willing to have difficult conversations when it matters. They do not avoid truth to keep things comfortable, they care enough to speak up, and they are trustworthy with what they know.

A good friend brings strength

At one of the lowest points in David’s life, Jonathan showed up and helped him find strength again. That is one of the clearest markers of a healthy friendship.

1 Samuel 23:16 says that Jonathan helped David find strength in God. Some relationships leave you drained while healthy ones leave you steady. A good friend does not just share space, they bring something with them. They bring perspective, encouragement, and stability when it is needed most.

Most people want stronger relationships, but those kinds of friendships are not built by waiting for the right people to show up. They are built by choosing to show up differently.

When you become someone who gives, stays consistent, and brings strength, your relationships begin to change.