A publication asked for a good definition of a friend. Some of the responses were these:
- "A friend is somebody who knows all about you and loves you anyway."
- "A friend is the one who steps in when the world steps out."
- "A friend is one who understands your silence."
- "A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."
- "A friend is one who never gets in the way, except when you are on the way down."
Humorist, Erma Bombeck, added another one to the list of responses:
- "A friend is someone who doesn't go on a diet when you are fat."
I suppose we all have casual friends but we all need those we can call actual friends. I hope you have someone(s) in your life that you can call a friend. Charlie Brown once shared he was so desperate for a friend that he would settle for even a fair-weathered friend. But we all want a true friend.
Scripture defines a true friend as this: "A friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17). And it adds, a friend is one "who sticks closer that a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).
Indeed, we all need such a friend. Furthermore, we need to be such a friend. And I think that's the key as to how to have friends. You will always see friends if you will be a friend. There is a wise proverb which says, "He who would have friends must prove himself friendly." If we will strive to be a friend to others, then we will draw friends to ourselves.
"So Pastor, where do I begin?" Ask God to teach you how to be a friend. Then look for practical ways to get involved with others. Join a small group Bible study where you can get to know people in a friendly environment of love and support. Involve yourself in a ministry with others. This is a good way to get the focus off of yourself and to get outside of yourself. It is, also, a great way to find new friends as together you meet the needs of others. Finally, follow the pattern of living by the One who called Himself a friend when he said, "I no longer call you servants...I call you friends (John 15:15) and "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jesus is a true friend and you can be such a friend!
Have a Blessed Day my Friend!
Pastor Ron
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