Biblical Friendship

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Anybody who has experienced life knows that it is not easy. There are always little stresses throughout the day, along with bigger issues such as financial difficulties, unemployment, relational issues, or unexpected health or car issues. Without God, we would never get through each day. We must also realize that God has blessed us with a Christian community so that we have friends to help us through difficulties we might come across on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Friends can provide the necessary physical and emotional love that is uplifting to the soul as we yearn to feel God's spiritual love. Friends help remind us that God does care about us and that he blesses us with others who love and care about our well-being.
It is to our own benefit to take advantage of all friendship opportunities in order to be able to handle the stress life throws at us. It is necessary to be surrounded by dependable individuals who will always have your back in good times and in bad times. If we are lucky, we find a handful of individuals who we do not hesitate to call on in any situation. Proverbs 18:24 states, "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." These friends should be cherished like the treasures they are and should not be taken for granted.
There are a few characteristics of biblical friendship that are essential for a close knit bond; brotherly love and providing good counsel. Close friends become almost like family and we should desire to put their well-being and happiness in the same realm or above our own. This concept is outlined in Romans 12:10 ~ "Be devoted to each other in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Also, we must be open to counsel from close friends and be willing to reciprocate in times of need and in everyday life. Sometimes we find ourselves too invested in a situation and need to step back and see it from another point of view. A true friend understands your heart and will be able to discern how to best handle a situation. Proverbs 27:9 outlines the joy that can come from seeking the counsel of friends by stating, "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."
My advice is to cherish a biblical friendship whenever God provides one in your life. He knows the struggles that we endure, and He doesn't want us to try and be independent. God desires for us to go through life in fellowship. Remember that the best way to have a great friend, though, is to strive to be one in return.