Updated at: 15-06-2023 - By: Craig Huey

Something I had heard before becoming a parent of two teenage girls has proven to be correct in my experience. They value the role that friends play in their lives greatly.

And while I do think that we, as parents, are still their primary influence, I also recognize that their peers can either reinforce or undermine the values we’re trying to instill.

One of the most crucial things we can do for them is to pray for their friendships, just as we would for any other aspect of their lives. Almost daily, I pray for God to give our daughters the ability to make wise decisions in their romantic relationships. I hope they find loyal, trustworthy, and loving friends who will enrich their lives. I hope more than anything for them to have friends who will strengthen them as Christians.

As my daughters think about how to be and find good friends, I’ve compiled a list of six quotes below that I think they’ll find helpful.

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One must be friendly to have friends, and a friend is closer than a brother.Bible verse: Proverbs 18:24.

Our eldest is leaving for college soon, and since she won’t know many people there, she’ll have the opportunity to make new friends. When feelings of isolation arise, I pray she remembers that Jesus is her best friend forever. In fact, He is able to fulfill her needs in a way that even her closest friends cannot.

Someone who “brings out the best in me” is someone who is “my best friend.”Henry Ford

True friendship improves our character. One should ask themselves, “Does being with this friend bless and encourage me, or does it leave me feeling ‘less-than’ and discouraged?”

On the flip side, you could ask yourself, “Am I able to help my friend grow and shine through the way I treat her?”

Friendship, as the saying goes, is “always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”We can thank Khalil Gibran

Instead of looking at friendships as a source of gain, focus on what you can give to your friends. Do what you’d want someone to do for you as a friend.

As the saying goes, “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”Washington, George 

Trust must be earned over time, so think twice before letting just anyone in on your innermost feelings. Just as carefully, uphold the confidence bestowed upon you by a friend.

It has been said that only a handful of people will become your closest friends over the course of your lifetime. Admire and cherish the friends you can count on for the long haul!

Fifth, “You should never do the wrong thing in order to make or keep a friend.” In honor of Robert E. Lee

True friends never pressure one another to do something they know is morally questionable. Don’t be a fool because you gave in to peer pressure. Don’t forget the words of wisdom found in Proverbs 13:20.In contrast, “he who walks with fools shall be destroyed,” “he who walketh with wise men shall be wise,” and so on.

Don’t settle for less than the best when picking friends; pick people based on their character, not their personalities.W. Somerset Maugham

Those who are honest and who conduct their lives in a way that is respectful to God are worthy of your respect. If you find yourself drawn to someone famous or humorous, check to see if they are also a good person.

As adults, I think we can all agree that these truths hold true for our friendships. A group of supportive friends can be a boon not only to a teen’s development but to anyone’s life.