Christian friend knows how to encourage you when your down. You can consider them as you sister or brother. they can help you to keep your faith in God by reminding you His promise.. especially when you're losing your hope..
Thanks Mariah!
To my own surprise I have found unbelievers who also helped me in those areas and, believers, who "helped" me doubt, sometimes. God is so marvelous, He has given each person a portion of Him to help us walk forward, whatever the situation we are in.
One more thought: I have learnt friendship(and love) are freely given, without asking; because it depends on us, by giving it unilaterally. Once we learn it, once we feel we have something to give or share, we do it, without the asking. If THAT is accepted (or not) depends on the receiver who, soon after, becomes a sharer (and a giver).
On the positive way, friendship and love is like a flux, if you have it, I can receive it; but we have seem why this gifts are rejected: We have been hurt or disappointed, sometimes.
Don´t give up! There are thousands of people expecting these come their way.