Jesus commands us to love one another, and if we are friends of Jesus we will want to do what he commands. Therefore, love is a very important part of life and I also believe it is an important part of friendship. If we loved everyone the way God has called us to what would that look like? Would we stay on the phone that extra five minutes even though we are running late? Would we stop and help a stranger when their car has broken down on the side of the road? Would we see the little girl laying on the floor trying to get the money that rolled under the vending machine in order to get something to eat? Would we bend down and help her get it? Would we give her the money she lost just to ensure she would have something to eat? Unfortunately, I must say I was with my husband when we passed a girl laying on the floor, not only did he see her, but he knew what she needed. He got down and helped her try to get her coin and when he could not even reach it, he gave her the money. I honestly did not even see her. This happened a year ago when I had been injured and we were just leaving physiotherapy. I was in a lot of pain so I did not even recognize that anyone else had a need at that point. Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our lives that are filled with pain and sorrows of life that we do not even see those around us who need our help. We need to be cautious that we do not miss these opportunities. For all we know they may need a friend at that moment and we could be that friend.
The Bible also reveals that true friendship is loyal, loving, support-ing, comforting and provides encouragement. This is the kind of friend that will be a friend for life. If you have a friend that is loyal, they will be there you no matter what you face. If you have a friend who truly loves you, they will not judge you but they will accept you as you are. If you have a friend who supports you, they will cheer you on even when everyone doesn't believe in you. If your friend is comforting, they will wipe away every tear, and be there when sorrow rocks your life. If your friend provides you with encouragement, they will be able to give you the strength to continue on and not give up. |
Isn't this a friend we would all want to hold onto for the rest of our lives? Isn't this the kind of friend we want to be for others? Jesus is this kind of friend and today you have a choice, you can choose to reject that friendship, or embrace it. The choice is yours, will he be your forever friend?