Friendship is a Gift

Proverbs 18:24 and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Some days we just need a friend.  At all times the Christian has an innate desire for God, but there are days and circumstances when we need HIM more than we need ourselves, you know? We need a true friend! In spite of our blessings and life gifts, we are melancholy and contemplative; maybe even sad. For example, when we hear of the passing of a loved one or visit someone sick in the hospital. When we see the trials someone else is going through, the Christian can’t help but want to bear part of the burden. It hurts us to see a brother or sister in Christ hurting.

One way of soothing the troubled soul is to recall the collection of times when a friend was there for you, or you in return saw a friend through a particular crisis. I have developed a short list of what I consider “Friendly Qualities.”

A Good Friend: A good friend starts with you.  Be a good friend, and you’ll attract good friends. Proverbs 17 tells us that a friend loves at all times! These friends are high-quality people to share a laugh with, break daily monotony, and you can generally be yourself around. "A good friend isn’t competitive or opportunistic," per Dr. Liza Standleheigt - a relationship expert. They will show respect by being communicative and supportive. The Bible teaches us to go to one another if there is a discord among us – it’s never a good choice to talk about the person – rather we need to talk TO them.  Good friends are immensely important! They bring happiness to our lives.

A Great Friend: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   In this passage, the Apostle Paul is telling us that it we need to fill our minds and conversations on what is beautiful and not “ugly,” better to praise things that are good – not curse them.

This friend may be out of reach for a few days, or a few months, but you’re able to pick up where you left off.  I hope YOU have a great friend like that! A great friend won’t leave you discouraged – they’ll try to point out the bright side of a stormy situation. When this friend tells you they’re going to pray for you – you can bank on it! They’ll encourage you to keep pressing on for Christ– move forward. A great friend will overlook your shortcomings. They are honest. Genuine. Lovely to be around. Great friends are often lifelong friends! Life Lesson:  if you have a friend who doesn’t support your Christian walk, they are NOT a good friend or a great friend!  A great friend will encourage you to live a deeper life of faith. If your spiritual convictions aren’t aligning with their convictions – this is probably not a great friend. They might be a great person, but that isn’t the same thing my fellow Christian. A great friend loves you before, during, and after….

Our Dearest Friend: You KNOW Him, don't you?  John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. I don’t always comprehend it, because the love of the Father is miraculous. He died for you. He literally laid down His life for mankind. For anyone who knocks…He will enter.  He died for me! I’ll never “get over” this salvation, so rich and free! Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. The fact that He knows my name! You do understand that HE knows your name. The sparrow that fall from the sky – every hair on our head. This God call us HIS friend!

My husband and I have a blessed life. I can only praise HIM for it! I’m not boasting – except on our Savior! We have had the privilege to minister through the preaching of the Word or through music in many states throughout the country.  We’ve met “God’s people” everywhere and are more richly blessed for it! We have been given many friends “far and wide – east and west,” as folks say. We have seen HIS work and we’ve taken pause at some beautiful places. But the greatest treasure in our lives is the gift of the truest Friend…the One perfect, dearest friend we have. His name is Jesus. I trust He is your dearest Friend too!

Look UP my friends!