Friendship
Friendship is a bond that is cultivated with regular treatment and reciprocal interest over time. Jesus made true friendship with all those he met to teach them about the Father. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:11-13 ESV
Friendship arises between people of different ages, social strata, education, etc. Friends often emerge in the place where one works, studies, or in the church to which one belongs, or through the use of social networks that are currently in vogue, etc. The most important thing in reality is the free exchange of ideas and feelings. Even more so if we are Christians, since as brothers in Christ we share good and bad moments in life. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” Proverbs 17:17 ESV
Gratitude is born from a good friendship. That is knowing how to recognize and appreciate what the friend or friends do for us. In a good friendship there should never be a lack of gratitude and appreciation that is shown when we prioritize what we have or possess and then, we radiate more joy and excitement without ever complaining.
However, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 ESV
This is explained because, despite a person's social or financial situation, sometimes they cause their friends to abandon them. My personal experience makes me remember my childhood when my parents had a lot of income and success in the company they owned at that time, there were years of bilingual private schools, parties, vacations at the beach house, etc. many friends at home. An economic depression came in the country and high incomes ended and our lives as children changed completely. No more parties, house on the beach, only public school, etc. In the end my parents were visited by only a couple of friends since the rest disappeared from our environment. That’s how it happened until my parents emigrated, and I had a family who later also emigrated to this country.
All of this is important when considering friendship because it tells us that we should be careful when choosing friends. As Christians we have the blessing of having the best friend who is Jesus, in Him there is purity of heart and in His advice there is grace, He will always be closer than a brother to us. “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have become known to you.” John 15:15 ESV
Christ’s love for us should lead us to love each other. In this there will be and is true friendship.
May God bless you.
