Friends

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (1).

Friend; a person who one knows well and is fond of; intimate associate; close acquaintance, a person on the same side of a struggle, an ally, a supporter or sympathizer, a member of the Society of Friends; Quaker, etc. There are many definitions for friends.

Friends have common interests and values, they are there for each other, they love to spend time and do things together. They confide in each other. Very good friends can share personal information without fear that it will be used against them or that their confidence will be broken.

Friends do not allow their friends to drive while drunk. Why is this? To protect their friends and others from harm. There are good friends and bad friends, friends that are there for each other and protect each other; and other so called friends that tempt each other into harms way with drugs, sex, drunkenness and other harmful practices. Good friends will help bring the best out of each other. Poor friendships will get each other into trouble.

When you get to know Him, Jesus is the best Friend you will ever have. He loves you more than life itself. He died for you because He would rather live with you here and now by His Holy Spirit and in eternity than without you. He is intimate with you. You can tell Him all your secrets and He will never use them against you but will help you overcome any adversity; and He will never divulge any of your secrets or break your confidence. He is the most knowledgeable Teacher you will ever have. He will be your Mentor. He has deep pockets. He will see to it that you have everything that you need. If you follow His advice you will be successful. If you ignore His advice, there will be natural consequences that are undesirable.

As we take His hand and allow Him to lead us through this life, He leads us steadily and securely into the next level of existence, into an eternal reality that even now is being prepared for us (2). And your best friend is present with you always by His wonderful Spirit to guide you and give you wisdom and understanding (3). Listen to His voice and you will overcome, you will be a winner. Share Him with your other friends and your friendships will last forever.

Jesus said, "I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another!" (4).

May your good friends be your friends forever!

1. Proverbs 18:24.
2. John 14:1-4, 6.
3. Matthew 28:20.
4. John 15:15-17.