# How to Maintain Christian Friendships **Study week:** AUGUST 17-23, 2026 > “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience.”—COL. 3:12. 🎵 SONG 90 Encourage One Another [Open this article on jw.org](https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-june-2026/How-to-Maintain-Christian-Friendships/) ### 1. Where can we find true friends? *(¶1)* **1** “LIFE can be hard if we walk it alone, living in these last days. Jehovah knows that we need friends to help us along the way.” Do you relate to those opening lyrics from the original song “True Friends”? What a blessing to find true friends among Jehovah’s people! ([Ps. 119:63](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/119/#v19119063)) We are part of a family of worshippers bound together by love. **Why these scriptures** - **[Psalms 119:63](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/119/#v19119063)** > I am a friend of all who fear you And of those who keep your orders. ### 2. What sort of friendships do we seek to develop with fellow Christians? *(¶2)* **2** The friendships we seek to cultivate with our brothers and sisters are not casual or superficial. Rather, they are meaningful and deep. We are part of a family of worshippers who love Jehovah and Jesus, and this love unites us. ([John 13:35](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013035)) But such Christian friendships do not just happen. They require effort. And like any friendship between imperfect people, these friendships can have their challenges. **Why these scriptures** - **[John 13:35](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013035)** > By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” ### 3. Why can it be a challenge to maintain friendships? *(¶3)* **3** Realistically, we may feel closer to some than to others. Why? We may share similar interests, or we may have compatible personalities. But we may find that maintaining Christian friendships with other brothers and sisters can be a challenge. At times, we may disagree with one another, and this can strain our bond of affection. Perhaps because of personality differences, we may feel that we have too little in common even to get along. And sometimes our relationships can come under pressure when our fellow believers are seriously ill or are suffering emotionally. In this article, we will consider how Jesus’ example can help us to maintain friendships when we face challenges. However, let us first see how godly qualities can help us maintain our Christian friendships. ## GODLY QUALITIES HELP US MAINTAIN OUR FRIENDSHIPS ### 4. How can we strengthen our friendships? *(¶4)* **4** To strengthen Christian friendships, we should look for the good in others. Spending time with our brothers and sisters can remind us of their fine qualities. The apostle Paul had a desire to be with his brothers and sisters. He wrote to the Thessalonians: “We made every effort to see you in person.” ([1 Thess. 2:17](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-thessalonians/2/#v52002017)) Many find that there is nothing quite like having face-to-face conversations to make their friendships stronger. We have many opportunities to do that as we share in the ministry and attend meetings, assemblies, and conventions together. But we may find that simply associating with one another does not prevent problems that could threaten our friendships. **Why these scriptures** - **[1 Thessalonians 2:17](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-thessalonians/2/#v52002017)** > But when we were separated from you, brothers, for just a short time (in person, not in our hearts), because of our strong desire, we made every effort to see you in person. ### 5. What can help us to preserve a friendship that is threatened? Illustrate. (Colossians 3:12) *(¶5)* **5** Godly qualities can help us to preserve a friendship that is threatened. **(Read** [Colossians 3:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/colossians/3/#v51003012)**.)** When we cultivate humility, patience, kindness, and compassion, we can overcome the challenges to maintaining friendships. To illustrate, just as oil will keep a car’s engine running smoothly, godly qualities will reduce any friction in our relationships. Let us now consider three challenges to our relationships with fellow believers. As we do, we will discuss how our imitating Jesus’ humility, patience, kindness, and compassion will enable us to continue to be true friends to others. **Why these scriptures** - **[Colossians 3:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/colossians/3/#v51003012)** > Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. ## WHEN YOU DISAGREE ### 6. How can disagreements threaten friendships? *(¶6)* **6** **Why is it a challenge?** When disagreements arise, each person may be convinced that his viewpoint is correct. Imagine two brothers who disagree about the best way to organize an activity for their field service group. Each is certain that his way is best. Can you see the potential for their difference of opinion to escalate and threaten their relationship? They might allow pride to affect them. If the matter is not discussed and settled, they could start to feel resentful. As time passes, they could risk drifting further apart and eventually risk no longer being friends—all because of a minor matter. ### 7. How did Jesus teach his disciples that humility was essential to overcoming disagreements? *(¶7)* **7** **Learn from Jesus’ humility.** He taught his disciples what was essential to overcoming disagreements—humility. The disciples had for some time been arguing about who was the greatest among them. To counter their deeply ingrained attitude, Jesus explained to them that they needed to consider others as superior. ([Matt. 20:25-28](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020025-v40020028)) Yes, he was teaching them how to be humble. Even on the night before his death, Jesus “set the pattern” for them by humbly doing the job of a servant—washing their feet. ([John 13:3-5,](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013003-v43013005) [12-16](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013012-v43013016)) In doing that, he showed them how they could preserve their friendship. If they viewed others as being superior, they would be more likely to yield when they disagreed. They would find it easier to remain close friends even when there was a difference of opinion. **Why these scriptures** - **[Matthew 20:25](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020025-v40020028)** > But Jesus called them to him and said: “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. - **[Matthew 20:26](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020025-v40020028)** > This must not be the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, - **[Matthew 20:27](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020025-v40020028)** > and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. - **[Matthew 20:28](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020025-v40020028)** > Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.” - **[John 13:3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013003-v43013005)** > So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God, - **[John 13:4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013003-v43013005)** > got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. - **[John 13:5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013003-v43013005)** > After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. - **[John 13:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013012-v43013016)** > When, now, he had washed their feet and had put his outer garments on, he again reclined at the table and said to them: “Do you understand what I have done to you? - **[John 13:13](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013012-v43013016)** > You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are correct, for I am such. - **[John 13:14](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013012-v43013016)** > Therefore, if I, the Lord and Teacher, washed your feet, you also should wash the feet of one another. - **[John 13:15](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013012-v43013016)** > For I set the pattern for you, that just as I did to you, you should also do. - **[John 13:16](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/john/13/#v43013012-v43013016)** > Most truly I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. ### 8. How can humility help you to maintain Christian friendships when disagreements occur? (Colossians 3:13) (See also pictures.) *(¶8)* **8** **How can you maintain your friendships?** Humility can help you to overlook minor disagreements and to forgive others freely. **(Read** [Colossians 3:13](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/colossians/3/#v51003013)**.)** With humility, you are more likely to preserve good relations by choosing not to react negatively. ([Ps. 4:4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/4/#v19004004)) Even if unkind words have been said, remember that we all say things that we later regret. ([Eccl. 7:21, 22](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ecclesiastes/7/#v21007021-v21007022)) Ask yourself, ‘Is my insistence on being in the right worth more than our friendship?’ You could simply choose to yield to the other person’s opinion. Allow yourself to move on by neither dwelling on whatever you disagreed about nor bringing it up again. **Why these scriptures** - **[Colossians 3:13](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/colossians/3/#v51003013)** > Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. - **[Psalms 4:4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/4/#v19004004)** > Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, upon your bed, and keep silent. (Selah) - **[Ecclesiastes 7:21](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ecclesiastes/7/#v21007021-v21007022)** > Also, do not take to heart every word that people say; otherwise, you may hear your servant calling down evil on you; - **[Ecclesiastes 7:22](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ecclesiastes/7/#v21007021-v21007022)** > for you well know in your heart that many times you yourself have called down evil on others. ### 9. How will humility help you if a disagreement persists? (Proverbs 17:9) *(¶9)* **9** Humility can also help you when a disagreement persists. Do not argue to justify your viewpoint. **(Read** [Proverbs 17:9;](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/17/#v20017009) [1 Cor. 6:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-corinthians/6/#v46006007)) You do well to set the goal of keeping your friend. Many have succeeded by kindly approaching the other person to settle the problem. ([Ps. 34:14](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/34/#v19034014)) You could say: ‘We’ve been friends for some time. Can we talk about what happened?’ Be prepared to admit your part in the disagreement, acknowledging any hurt feelings and then apologizing. And if your brother or sister also apologizes, accept it in a humble manner. ([Luke 17:3, 4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/luke/17/#v42017003-v42017004)) Remember, your goal is, not to establish who was right and who was wrong, but to get past the disagreement and maintain the friendship.—[Prov. 18:24](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/18/#v20018024). **Why these scriptures** - **[Proverbs 17:9](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/17/#v20017009)** > Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends. - **[1 Corinthians 6:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-corinthians/6/#v46006007)** > Really, it is already a defeat for you when you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather let yourselves be wronged? Why do you not rather let yourselves be defrauded? - **[Psalms 34:14](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/psalms/34/#v19034014)** > Turn away from what is bad and do what is good; Seek peace and pursue it. - **[Luke 17:3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/luke/17/#v42017003-v42017004)** > Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. - **[Luke 17:4](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/luke/17/#v42017003-v42017004)** > Even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” - **[Proverbs 18:24](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/18/#v20018024)** > There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ## WHEN PERSONALITIES DIFFER ### 10. What can make it difficult to remain friends? *(¶10)* **10** **Why is it a challenge?** We might find it hard to maintain close friendships with brothers and sisters whose personalities differ from ours. Some may have traits that we find irritating. Others may lack certain social skills because of having been mistreated in the past or because of coming from cultures that either tend to be more reserved or tend to be more exuberant. Or we may just be opposites socially—we may be outgoing while they may be shy or vice versa. ### 11. How was Jesus able to maintain his friendships with those whose personalities differed from his? *(¶11)* **11** **Learn from Jesus’ patience.** He maintained friendships with those whose personalities differed from his. For example, the apostles James and John showed an ambitious spirit when they asked for prominent positions in the Kingdom. ([Mark 10:35-37](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010035-v41010037)) In contrast, Jesus had humbly left behind his elevated heavenly position and privileges to come to earth. ([Phil. 2:5-8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/philippians/2/#v50002005-v50002008)) Think of how different their attitudes were. Still, Jesus was patient with James and John and with others. **Why these scriptures** - **[Mark 10:35](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010035-v41010037)** > James and John, the sons of Zebʹe·dee, approached him and said to him: “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” - **[Mark 10:36](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010035-v41010037)** > He said to them: “What do you want me to do for you?” - **[Mark 10:37](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010035-v41010037)** > They replied: “Grant us to sit down, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” - **[Philippians 2:5](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/philippians/2/#v50002005-v50002008)** > Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, - **[Philippians 2:6](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/philippians/2/#v50002005-v50002008)** > who, although he was existing in God’s form, did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God. - **[Philippians 2:7](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/philippians/2/#v50002005-v50002008)** > No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and became human. - **[Philippians 2:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/philippians/2/#v50002005-v50002008)** > More than that, when he came as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, yes, death on a torture stake. ### 12. What helped Jesus to be patient with his friends? *(¶12)* **12** Jesus was realistic in what he expected of his friends. He knew that James and John’s ambitious request reflected the competitive spirit of many of the disciples. ([Mark 9:34](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/9/#v41009034)) Jesus had grown up in the same religious environment that they had. It placed a high value on prominence and position, so he could understand their thinking. Nevertheless, he was patient with them, giving them time to work on rooting out the pride and the ambition that they had developed over the years.—[Mark 10:42-45](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010042-v41010045). **Why these scriptures** - **[Mark 9:34](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/9/#v41009034)** > They kept silent, for on the road they had been arguing among themselves about who is greater. - **[Mark 10:42](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010042-v41010045)** > But Jesus called them to him and said to them: “You know that those who appear to be ruling the nations lord it over them and their great ones wield authority over them. - **[Mark 10:43](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010042-v41010045)** > This must not be the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, - **[Mark 10:44](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010042-v41010045)** > and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all. - **[Mark 10:45](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010042-v41010045)** > For even the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.” ### 13. How will patience help us to keep our friends? (Ephesians 4:2) *(¶13)* **13** **How can you maintain your friendships?** Continue to cultivate patience by doing your best to tolerate traits in others that irritate you. ([Prov. 14:29](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/14/#v20014029)) All of us have our own characteristics, many of which are not flaws but simply features of who we are. So we certainly appreciate it when others put up with us. **(Read** [Ephesians 4:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ephesians/4/#v49004002)**.)** It is also important for us to be realistic by making allowances for others. On the one hand, consider the effort it takes for someone who is quiet and shy to associate with and converse with others. On the other hand, try not to lose patience with someone who is outgoing and expressive. We cannot expect to be best friends with everyone, but we need to keep in mind that even Christians with very different personalities can work well together. **Why these scriptures** - **[Proverbs 14:29](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/14/#v20014029)** > The one who is slow to anger has great discernment, But the impatient one displays his foolishness. - **[Ephesians 4:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ephesians/4/#v49004002)** > with all humility and mildness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, ### 14. On what will our patience help us to focus? *(¶14)* **14** Patience will help us to focus on the good qualities of our brothers and sisters. When we do this, we are less likely to see our different personalities as a barrier to friendship. For example, James and John selfishly desired prominence; yet, their attitude showed that the Kingdom was real to them. Jesus noticed and appreciated their faith. When we look for the good in our friends, we are imitating Jesus as well as his Father, Jehovah. ### 15. Where can we turn for help to maintain our friendships with those whose personalities differ from ours? *(¶15)* **15** Most important of all, we can pray for Jehovah’s help to maintain our friendships with those whose personalities differ from ours. Try anticipating potentially difficult situations, and pray in advance to remain calm. Remember that Jehovah, as our Creator, understands that we are all unique individuals. So when you pray, be confident that Jehovah knows what you need in order to continue enduring. And when you feel that your patience is being tested, ask Jehovah for holy spirit to help you control how you react.—[Luke 11:13;](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/luke/11/#v42011013) [Gal. 5:22, 23](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/galatians/5/#v48005022-v48005023). **Why these scriptures** - **[Luke 11:13](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/luke/11/#v42011013)** > Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” - **[Galatians 5:22](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/galatians/5/#v48005022-v48005023)** > On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, - **[Galatians 5:23](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/galatians/5/#v48005022-v48005023)** > mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ## WHEN OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE SUFFERING ### 16. What challenges may we face when our brothers and sisters are suffering in some way? *(¶16)* **16** **Why is it a challenge?** When our brothers and sisters are suffering physically or experiencing emotional distress, they may respond in ways that we find difficult to deal with. For example, they may be withdrawn, irritable, or even unpredictable. Perhaps they will say or do things that hurt us. ([Job 6:2, 3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/job/6/#v18006002-v18006003)) Because we may not be aware of the challenges that our fellow believers are facing, we may expect too much of them. **Why these scriptures** - **[Job 6:2](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/job/6/#v18006002-v18006003)** > “If only my anguish could be fully weighed And put on scales together with my calamity! - **[Job 6:3](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/job/6/#v18006002-v18006003)** > For now it is heavier than the sands of the seas. That is why my words have been wild talk. ### 17. What do you learn from the way Jesus treated the blind man Bartimaeus? *(¶17)* **17** **Learn from Jesus’ kindness and compassion.** He was kind and compassionate toward those in distress, even those he had not met before. For instance, consider how he treated the blind man Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he created a disturbance, shouting out to attract Jesus’ attention. Some in the crowd told Bartimaeus to keep quiet. But he desperately wanted to be healed by Jesus, so he kept shouting even more. Did some in the crowd find this behavior difficult to deal with? Perhaps. However, Jesus was “moved with pity,” an expression describing his intense compassion. ([Matt. 20:34;](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020034) [Mark 10:46-52](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)) He spoke to Bartimaeus kindly, acknowledging his faith. And Jesus miraculously restored his sight. **Why these scriptures** - **[Matthew 20:34](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/20/#v40020034)** > Moved with pity, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight, and they followed him. - **[Mark 10:46](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > They then came into Jerʹi·cho. But as he and his disciples and a considerable crowd were going out of Jerʹi·cho, Bar·ti·maeʹus (the son of Ti·maeʹus), a blind beggar, was sitting beside the road. - **[Mark 10:47](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > When he heard that it was Jesus the Naz·a·reneʹ, he started shouting and saying: “Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!” - **[Mark 10:48](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > At this many began rebuking him, telling him to be silent, but all the more he kept shouting: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” - **[Mark 10:49](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > So Jesus stopped and said: “Call him to me.” So they called the blind man, saying to him: “Take courage! Get up; he is calling you.” - **[Mark 10:50](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > Throwing off his outer garment, he leaped to his feet and went to Jesus. - **[Mark 10:51](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > Then Jesus said to him: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him: “Rab·boʹni, let me recover my sight.” - **[Mark 10:52](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/mark/10/#v41010046-v41010052)** > And Jesus said to him: “Go. Your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight, and he began to follow him on the road. ### 18. How should you treat your friends who are suffering? (1 Thessalonians 5:14) *(¶18)* **18** **How can you maintain your friendships?** Be kind and compassionate. These tender qualities will help you to “speak consolingly” to your brothers and sisters who are suffering physically or emotionally. **(Read** [1 Thessalonians 5:14](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-thessalonians/5/#v52005014)**.)** Remember that a true friend is ready to help, especially during “times of distress.” ([Prov. 17:17](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/17/#v20017017)) Such a friend not only sympathizes with those who are suffering but also does all he can to provide emotional support, words of encouragement, and practical help. **Why these scriptures** - **[1 Thessalonians 5:14](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-thessalonians/5/#v52005014)** > On the other hand, we urge you, brothers, to warn the disorderly, speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all. - **[Proverbs 17:17](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/17/#v20017017)** > A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress. ### 19. How can we demonstrate kindness and compassion? (See also pictures.) *(¶19)* **19** What are some practical ways to show kindness and compassion? Of course, you cannot heal a fellow believer’s pain. But you can empathize with his circumstances to the best of your ability. ([Matt. 7:12;](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/7/#v40007012) [1 Pet. 3:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-peter/3/#v60003008)) Listen as he expresses what he is going through. If appropriate, try to find words that will comfort him. ([Prov. 12:25](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/12/#v20012025)) Beware of drawing wrong conclusions. ([Prov. 18:13](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/18/#v20018013)) Strive to be patient with him and realistic about what you expect of him.—[Eph. 4:32](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ephesians/4/#v49004032). **Why these scriptures** - **[Matthew 7:12](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/matthew/7/#v40007012)** > “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean. - **[1 Peter 3:8](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/1-peter/3/#v60003008)** > Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. - **[Proverbs 12:25](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/12/#v20012025)** > Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word cheers it up. - **[Proverbs 18:13](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/proverbs/18/#v20018013)** > When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating. - **[Ephesians 4:32](https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/ephesians/4/#v49004032)** > But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. ### 20. What kind of friend do you want to be? *(¶20)* **20** We all value the friendships we enjoy with our Christian brothers and sisters. But we do well to remember that because we are imperfect, we sometimes behave in a way that we do not want. Many of us have been shaped by bad experiences in life. As a result, we especially appreciate those who maintain Christian friendships by being humble, patient, kind, and compassionate. May we try our best to be that sort of friend. --- *Answers are AI-generated study aids, not published material. Article text and references are © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania; follow the links above to read them on jw.org.*