Friendship is one of our deepest longings. Yet, we are often at a loss to know how to go about fulfilling the need. Fortunately, God’s word gives us some important principles related to friendship. One such principle is found in Proverb 17:17, where Solomon writes, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Later, he adds: “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (18:24). Such friendship is a rare and beautiful thing. A friend is one who loves at all times, even when our weaknesses are evident. One author noted that “He who seeks a friend without a fault remains without one.” A friend does not easily give up, but seeks to encourage and strengthen. “A friend loves at all times.” In fact, “a brother is born for adversity.” If you cannot lean on a friend, who can you lean upon? Adversity often reveals the identity of our true friends. A friend will not give up on us when we have given up on ourselves. A friend will remain loyal when being loyal is not popular. A friend will believe and expect the best of us and our friendship. True friends are a great blessing!
So, how do we go about developing friendship? There are no short-cuts. Relationships demand time and effort. Such being the case, is it any wonder why so many are starving for friendship? Or, why so many friendships are shallow and unfulfilling? The one who would have friends must show himself to be friendly (Prov. 18:24, KJV). Someone has said the number one vitamin we need to build friendship is B-1. Surely, no one would argue that a person should seek friendship without seeking to be a friend. We must develop those qualities which will make us a good friend to others. Loyalty, dependability, a sense of caring and an ability to overlook another’s weaknesses are just a few of the essentials needed in friendship. It will take time to develop friendships; but, while we are waiting, we should concentrate on becoming the kind of person who will be a good friend to others.
Everyone has the potential of developing lasting friendships. This is especially true in our relationship with God. Remarkable is the description of Abraham in James 2:23 where the inspired author tells us that Abraham was a “friend of God.” Imagine God as your friend! Can you think of anyone who would be more loyal, dependable, or caring? God sent His Son to make it possible for us to be His friends. Sin has made us His enemies. But, the death of Christ, when accepted in obedient faith, makes us His friends. Jesus said, “You are My friends, if you do what I command you” (Jn. 15:14). Because we have found a friend in Jesus, we need never be alone.
–Glen Elliott–