Article By Emily Dennis // EEW Magazine // Spiritual

Want to be sure your sister-friend relationships are divinely-ordained, healthy, and uplifting?

Well, Dianna Hobbs, 42-year-old founder of EEW Magazine Online, is sharing 9 qualities to look for in “real sisters.”

Though no one is perfect, and we all have flaws, the social media team of the award-winning nonprofit leader (Hobbs is currently on hiatus until 2020 due to a recent health challenge) uploaded a “Throwback Thursday” clip on the organization’s Instagram page.

The snippet, which is less than a minute long, features the God Did It author at an undisclosed ministry location, dropping useful gems for forging Kingdom relationships. EEW Magazine Online is expounding upon her original thoughts.

Here are the 9 qualities that a real sister in Christ exhibits.

#1 She doesn’t talk about you behind your back: She is an authentic woman you can trust. She has good things to say, and when she doesn’t, instead of broadcasting your sensitive, personal information to the world, she uses discretion.

#2 She wants to see you win: A real sister is awesome at motivating you and genuinely cheering you on. She both supports and celebrates your successes.

#3 She encourages you in your God-ordained purpose: A godly sister-friend inspires you to keep doing what God has called you to do, even when you feel discouraged. She sees greatness in you and does what she can to propel you forward.

#4 She believes in unity: She is not divisive, catty, or competitive. She sees the importance of women supporting other women. She is a unifier, not a divider, and she spreads love wherever she goes.

#5 She intercedes for you: When you’re going through something, a godly sister-friend seeks God on your behalf. She knows “how to get a prayer through,” as Hobbs describes it. Having her there to pray for you in your time of need is priceless!

#6 She has a close, personal relationship with Jesus: She is in regular fellowship with the Lord, and because she communes with Him, she is a delight to be connected to.

#7 She reads her Bible: The word of God is a lamp to her feet and a light to her pathway (Psalm 119:105). She feasts on Scripture and is governed by it. This is why you can trust her opinions—because they are based on biblical principles.

#8 She isn’t messy: A godly woman avoids gossip and does not stir up drama and strife. She is woman of integrity, and if there is some mess going on, you can be sure she isn’t in the middle of it.

#9 She is understanding: If you get weak, struggle, or stumble—as we all do, even our godly friends—she is patient, kind, understanding, and willing to lend a hand to help you get back up.

So there you go! Start using these guiding principles as a litmus test for your connections to see if they are divine.

Enjoy the quick clip for yourself.