No two lives are the same. We each have our own wants, thoughts, intellect, abilities, and traits. But despite the differences, we all share something special - the need for friendship.

Notice I did not say, friends. There's a difference. A friend is often defined as one who has affection or respect for, helps, supports, or enjoys being with another. The focus is someone else.

But - and this is a big but - being a friend doesn't mean those same feelings, attitudes, or efforts are returned. Each of us has felt the sting of rejection. We reach out, share experiences, and enjoy being with someone, then discover there's no true bond. We are little more than an acquaintance.

That can happen the other way around, too. Someone invests time and effort in us. They may even call us friend. Yet for some reason, we don't open up and share our lives. We may be friendly - loving others as Jesus taught - but never see ourselves as that person's friend.

Uncomfortable? Let's see if I can help. Maybe you've been told you're supposed to be a friend of everyone. Not possible. Too many people. Not enough time. Besides, personalities often collide. I can love you, but if you're a loud-mouth loon, I may not like you. And that's OK.

Our need is not so much for friends as for friendship - that relationship created by the special bond between and among friends. As you've likely experienced, a one-sided relationship is no relationship at all. If we have friendship, it's because you are my friend and I am yours.

Moses had that kind of relationship with God. He set up a special tent where God came to meet with him. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11a). Moses made the effort. God made the effort. They came together and had a real relationship, a true friendship. Jesus spoke of friendship, too.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love...Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command...I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you... John 15:9-16

A deep, long-lasting friendship with someone flows from a deep, long-lasting friendship with God. Everything begins with Him. He chose us to become His friends and that relationship requires effort on our part. We must remain in His love and follow Him. We must honor, respect, speak with, and share our lives with Him...just as He has done with us!

Jesus described great love as laying down our lives for our friends. We immediately think of His death on the cross, but Jesus laid down His life for us long before the crucifixion. He worked hard to show us the way to eternal love and peace. He told us the truth about ourselves and how much He loves us. And He shared His life with us so that we would never be alone again.

Friendships follow a similar course. There's commitment in following the way to a lasting relationship, being honest with each other, and sharing life. Choose your friends wisely, and remember...