On June 18th I posed a question...just what is a friend?
In talking with my wife and others it seems that each persons definition hinges upon expectations. Sure, there are textbook answers...but they don't address real life. Each of us has expectations of a friend: trustworthy, honest, encouraging, always there, one you can turn to no matter what...the list goes on. At the core of this is us... what is it that WE expect others to do or meet up to. But what happens when people don't meet our expectations? Are they no longer our friend? Were they never really our friend? Maybe its NOT all about us!
Friendship is a choice! You choose to be a friend...it doesn't just happen. Many have heard that the Bible says, A man that has friends must first show himself friendly. It's a choice. We won't always like what our friends choices are. We won't always like what our friend has to say...but it's a choice to be their friend.
True friends know us for who we really are. True friends are committed to walk the journey of life with us no matter what. True friends have the right and responsibility to call us into check when we need it. True friends are those you can call on at any time. Sounds like family...but it's more. True friendship is a choice. Family is family...they don't have to make a choice, or they don't get to make a choice. "...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". (Proverbs 18:24)
Three questions:
- Am I a true friend?
- Do I have a true friend?
- Do I know THE true friend who sticks closer than a brother?
Everything you could ever imagine a friend to be is wrapped up in THE One who will never leave you or forsake you.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:12-14 (in Context) John 15 (Whole Chapter)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
1 John 3:15-17 (in Context) 1 John 3 (Whole Chapter)
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