Lately, I’ve been inundated with the good, great and uglies of friendship. I hadn’t given the subject much thought until I started to recognize the importance of this relationship that I’ve long taken for granted.
For example, a friend of mine went on a cruise with friends she’s had since grade school – GOOD! Then I had a couple of friends help me with my website for nine hours on a Saturday – GREAT!! (Oh thank you, thank you and thank you!!!) And lastly, I’ve watched a dear friend suffer through the loss of two friends this year who were obviously not friends in the first place – UGLY!!
This has led me to wonder why good friends are important. What am I called to do as a friend? And am I a good one?
God, Himself, explains why friends are a necessity. “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” Genesis 2:18
This world travels at such a high rate of speed that God knew from the get-go that we would need others to help us, encourage us, love us and keep us honest. He knew we, as humans, would require the hands on connection that friendship adds to each of our lives.
If you wonder if God really cares about you and your friendships, realize that He talks extensively about it in His Word. According to Answers.com, the word ‘friend’ is used in the Bible 53 times, the word ‘friends’ is used 49 times and the word ‘friendship’ is used twice. (WOW!)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
A true friend is more valuable than any possession we can obtain. Friends listen to us, celebrate with us, cry for us and stand up for us. They tell us when we are wrong and they encourage us to be the best we can be. Without friends, we stand alone on the battlefield of life.
We are not called to be friends with everyone. Sure, we need to be kind, loving and generous to everyone, but we are supposed to surround ourselves with people who are of like mind and who are wise. (My poor friends are getting a raw deal!! Ha!)
I guess the real question is what can I do to be a better friend?
Draw closer to God to learn from the best – The Almighty Father and Jesus Christ are examples that show us what true love really is. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:13-14
Listen more – We often talk more than we should. (Please tell me it’s not just me!!!)
Pray often – I can’t think of any better gift than a friend petitioning God for ME!
I am blessed abundantly with wonderful friends. I hope we can all work at being the best we can be for the ones we love.
Take some time today to let your friends know how much you care! I’d love to hear your stories!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 26:20 – Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
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