True Friendship

Everyday we come into contact with hundreds of people. Some we know and others we don't.

I once heard it said that "strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."

Not to mean that we will be compatible with every person we come into contact with, but until communicate with someone...you will never know!


I saw a picture on facebook a few days ago that said "When I first met you, I had no idea you would be so important to me." I can totally relate to that. When I met my best friend for the first time...Lord knows I didn't think to myself "I really like her, we are going to become close friends and be inseparable." To be completely honest...she kinda sorta intimidated me (go ahead laugh :P)

But God has a funny way of bringing the just the right person into you life at just the right time. He doesn't all ways give us who we want, but He all ways gives us who we NEED. But give it sometime and I'll promise you the person you need will turn into the person you want very quickly!

Friendships are a very important variable in the equation of life. Everyone needs that special friend they can talk things through with, that will hold them accountable, that will laugh or cry with them, that will just be there no matter the circumstance. We all need a companion, and God knows and understands that.

But what makes a friend a true friend? How can we tell the difference between someone who is meant to be a CLOSE friend and who is meant to be just a friend?

The first question you need to ask yourself is....Is the person a Christian?
If the answer to the question is no, them read no further. That certain person should not be someone you confide in and look to to give you advice. Does that mean you shouldn't associate with them? Absolutely not! But they shouldn't be you go to people when you are facing the storms of life. When something goes wrong and you become weak...it's way easier for them to pull you down than it is for you to pull them up.
"Bad company ruins good morals" "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch" "You lay with the dogs you're gonna get fleas" and the list of expressions could go on and on.

Secondly, you need to examine their personality and their morals.

• Are they living for Christ or are they back-slid-en?
• Are they trust worthy? 
• Are they loyal?
• Are they honest?
• Are you compatible with them when it comes to likes and dislikes? 

When choosing a  friend they should be able to challenge you spiritually and hold you accountable to God.  You should have things in common, but still be able to respect any differences. You should be able to be open with the person fully knowing they will not use anything against you or try to hurt you with it. You should be able to find someone who is trustworthy...someone who is going to tell you the truth when you ask for it and not have to question the validity of it.

In the Bible God says He is our best friend. "No greater love has any man than this that he lays down His life for His friend." Which is exactly what Christ did for us on the cross. Is it not?

But like I said earlier. God knows that we need and crave human relations.
In fact the Bible gives us what I believe to be one of the greatest examples of true friendship between 2 people. It is found in the book of 1 Samuel.




It is the story of Johnathon and David.

Johnathon loved David with a deep and uncomplicated love. (and no this is not a gay or homosexual love like some people try to make it seem!)

Somethings we notice about their relationship is:

1. Johnathon loved David more than he loved himself (18:1)
2. Johnathon selflessly gave of himself to David (18:4)
3. Johnathon protected David (19:2)
4. Johnathon spoke well of David (19:4)
5. Johnathon stood up for David (20:32)

I strongly encourage you to read the full story of Johnathon and David (1 Samuel 18-20)

Do you have a Johnathon in you life?
The bible say in Proverbs that a man who has friends must show himself friendly.
If you said you don't have a Johnathon...are you being a Johnathon to anyone?

Friendship is a wonderful gift that we get to enjoy opening each and every day.

When is the last time you thanked God for the people He has brought into you life?
God gives and God also takes away. He can remove people from our lives just as easily as He brought them into it.  Never take your friends for granted. Tell them how you feel. Never miss a chance to wrap your arms around them, hug them tight, and tell them how much they mean to you.  Over use 'I love you' and mean it when you say it.

True friends are rare and far between, so if you are lucky enough to find one...hold onto them tight and with both hands. They are worth more than their weight in pure gold!

I thank God everyday for blessing me with the friends He gave me. I don't know where I would be without them. I just hope I can be a Johnathon to them :)

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you today just the way you are.

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.

Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with. 

The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.  

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. 

Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer. 

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow.  If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder.  If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow.  If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile.  But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me.

 
 Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3