Do you love your friends? Would you do anything for them? Have you ever been mistreated? Do certain people humanly pester you or have you been guilty of pestering someone? If you want to be a friend you need to show yourself friendly. Friendship makes time for their friends. They listen to them and are there for them.
Some of us have lost friends whether it be to death, moving away, misunderstandings, or growing apart. It hurts no matter how it happens, I know because it has happened to me in all four categories. Sometimes friends can do things to make you feel left out and that hurts too. But when you find a true friend it is precious. Some married couples are blessed to call their spouse their best friend and the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship too is pretty special when you can call that person your best friend. Think about a best friend for a moment. You can tell them anything. They will not ridicule you or put you down. They try to encourage you when you have a new endeavor in your life. They just like to hang out with you. They make time for you and want to be with you. They have an understanding heart and are ready to forgive you. They are there to laugh with you or to be a shoulder to cry on.
With the new age of social networking people seem to have tons of "friends" but how many of our Facebook friends would stick closer than a brother and be there through thick or thin? Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Some food for thought.
In Moms in Touch throughout the years we have prayed for our children to have the kind of friends who will lift them up instead of pulling them down. Proverbs 13:20 says " He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "Evil company corrupts good habits." It only takes one bad friend to change the course of a persons' life so it is important who we associate with.This does not mean not to be kind to bad folks but do not get sucked down into the pit with them or it may be hard to get back out. Proverbs 22:24-25 says "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared."
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". (John 15:13). Jesus did this for us on the cross. He is our ultimate friend. We think of this scenario on the battlefield where soldiers have given their lives for our country and to save their fellow soldiers. What a gift!
Faithful are the wounds of a friend.(See Proverbs 27:6). Friends sometimes tell you things that hurt but you want them to be honest. It is very hard to win an offended friend back. Proverbs 18:19 says "An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars." For anyone who has gone through this they will know it is true. Forgiveness is the key. Do not harbor grudges. It does no good.
Do you have true friends or superficial friends? Do you have someone you can share anything with? They are there to share your joys and your sorrows. To comfort if needed and to celebrate with you when appropriate. It could be a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband and wife or two friends. God is our best friend. He is there when others betray you and run out. He is ready to receive you with open arms. He is there when others say they do not have time for you. God is our 24 hour friend. Hallelujah!
What kind of friend are you?
PRAYER: Father one of the best gifts ever is a great and true friend. We thank you for the friends you have placed in our lives throughout the years. We thank you for the things we learn from our friends and the ways they have brought joy to our lives. Help me be a good friend to those you have put in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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