I think the word "friend" has somewhat become watered down over the years. It often seems that we have a tendency to call everyone we ever meet a friend. Perhaps that is because of the influence of social media as we claim to have thousands of "friends" associated with our accounts. It's almost as if there is a competition to see who can have the most friends.
Even the dictionaries today define the word "friend" as a person whom one knows as a noun and as a verb it mentions contacts associated with a social networking website. Older dictionaries come closer to the definition I associate with the word friend. They describe a friend as a person whom one knows, likes and trusts. One who is attached by affection, a favored companion. Dictionaries that are older associate the word "love" with a friend. I like the older definitions.
I have been blessed with so many friends during my life. I am even more blessed to have been able to call many of these people friends for a long time and my friend list continues to grow as I get older. Now I sound like social media but that's not what I mean. As I have grown older, I love to think about and enjoy how my friendships have grown, changed and have become more meaningful and different. I'm going to borrow something from Wikipedia this morning.
"Although there are many forms of friendship, some of which may vary from place to place, certain characteristics are present in many types of such bonds. Such characteristics include affection, kindness, love, virtue, sympathy, empathy, honesty, altruism, loyalty, generosity, forgiveness, mutual understanding and compassion, enjoyment of each other's company, trust, and the ability to be oneself, express one's feelings to others, and make mistakes without fear of judgment from the friend. Friendship is an essential aspect of relationship building skills."
Several days ago, I was having one of those "what if" type conversations. The conversation went something like this. "You have so many friends. If you could only have ONE that you could talk with the rest of your life, who would it be?" Before I could answer, the question was answered for me and their answer was correct. Thank goodness we don't have to make those kind of decisions. I love all my friends and value the relationships. In no way would I ever want place one friendship above another as they are all meaningful and important to me. Certain friendships just evolve to a point that you would never want to live without them. They are just that important! But all relationships are important and valuable.
"Let me tell you about my Friend, on whom I depend, He's the best Friend I ever knew." This is the first line of one of my favorite songs, "He Has Never Failed Me". "The Dearest Friend I've Ever Had", "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and the list of songs goes on and on about Jesus as our Friend. Isn't it awesome, that Jesus wants to be and is our Friend? The Son of God, came to earth, walked among men, living a sinless life, and then gave His life for me! Yes! "I'll Be A Friend To Jesus"!
"They tried my Lord and Master, With no one to defend; Within the halls of Pilate He stood without a friend.
Refrain: I’ll be a friend to Jesus, My life for Him I’ll spend; I’ll be a friend to Jesus, Until my years shall end.
The world may turn against Him, I’ll love Him to the end, And while on earth I’m living, My Lord shall have a friend.
I’ll do what He may bid me; I’ll go where He may send; I’ll try each flying moment To prove that I’m His friend.
To all who need a Savior, My Friend I’ll recommend; Because He brought salvation, Is why I am His friend."
I pray your will have a great Saturday!
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