Friendships

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Prov. 18: 24 - NIV)

A real friends knows even your ugly side and loves you anyway (Prov. 17: 17). And, too, they have great blackmail material!

There are degrees of friendship:

Bad: people who are fun to be with, but only when times are good; "fair weather friends" who only want your around when they need something from you (like those of the prodigal son in Luke 15).

Good: school friends, teammates, church friends; people you share a common bond with, also known as "casual friends."

Better: same as above, but with whom you've formed a closer bond; also known as "good friends;" people who will reciprocate kindness in response to your own.

Best: those who are with us no matter what life sends our way; those who won't interfere with, but rather, encourage us in our Christian walk; someone who's willing to make sacrifices for your comfort.

So what is a true friend?
* someone you choose to spend time with;
* someone you have fun with (Prov. 27: 9);
* someone who's like family to you (Prov. 18: 24);
* someone who shares in your troubles--not just when things are going well (Rom.
12: 15);
* someone who acts as your personal cheerleader;
* someone who loves you in spite of yourself (Prov. 17: 17);
* someone who brings out your better qualities;
* someone who is as concerned for your soul as they are your person (Prov. 13: 20;
1 Cor. 15: 33).

I know these last two posts have worn this friends theme out, but it's just a track I happened to be on.

Love Ya,
God Bless!