Let’s be friends

Read Proverbs 17:17

Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (THE MESSAGE)

It is wonderful to enjoy the company of a friend with whom we can be truthful and authentic. Someone who can be there for us in the good and not-so-good times. It is not so wonderful to realise that some apparent friends don’t fit that description. They might be there for us only when things are going well. Or conversely,they might be the types who only want to be with us if they can counsel us through a problem.

A true friend is someone who is concerned for us and listens to us as we listen to them. There is give and take. Some fail to be true friends because the relationship is all about them. We are just sounding boards for them,or props to help through a particular season. While this may be helpful,it is not the mark of genuine friendship which has the quality of ongoing mutuality.

As this proverb reminds us,friends (and family members) are not seasonal. They stick with us through each and every circumstance. True,geography and life stages may see some friendships come and go,but while they exist they are genuine encounters between two individuals who truly care. And who show they care by their sensitive listening and their willingness to make contact irrespective of other time demands. A friend who doesn’t stay in touch is a friend who doesn’t value friendship.

Which means that if we have such true friends,thank God for them and don’t let anything else in life squeeze them out. Genuine friendship gives us much but also costs much.

Blessings
David Reay

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