True Friendship

True Friendship involves a true shared sense of caring and concern, a desire to see one another grow and develop, while having hope for each other to succeed in all aspects of life. Celebrating each others accomplishments, no matter how small... True Friendship demonstrates this with ease.

Friendship involves action: doing something for someone else while expecting nothing in return; sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or negative criticism.

Friendship involves relationship.

We've all suffered a loss of friendship(s) in our lives. My thoughts, they were never a 'true friend.' That is a hurtful feeling and experience to feel that you had a close friend and when life gets difficult, they leave.

However, we need to look at this as a process of purging. Accept the fact that they were never your true friend which is difficult but necessary. There is a lot to be learned through the difficult times.

Reserve judgment until you have all of the facts. Every situation has two sides. Get all of the facts and information before making a decision. An individual will only give their side and if others are involved, another side is to be heard and weighed before a decision can be made.

First Samuel 20 focuses on the friendship of David and Jonathan. These two men truly cared for each other and had great trust and confidence in one another. David was running for his life from Jonathan’s father, Saul. Jonathan recognized that David was innocent. Because of the genuine friendship they shared, David survived Saul’s assassination attempts and went on to become one of Israel’s greatest kings.

Treasure “true friendships.” They are like precious jewels.

Sincere and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Real friendship looks at the heart, not just the “packaging.” Genuine friendship loves for love’s sake, not just for what it can get in return. Friendship is both challenging and exciting. It risks, overlooks faults, and loves unconditionally, but it also involves being truthful, even though it may hurt.

Genuine friendship, also called “agape love”, which comes from the Lord.

Relationships in real life involve different levels of friendship.

But humans are designed by God for lasting relationships. Often our isolationist society offers only vague, empty relationships. God wants us to have friends here on earth.

Most of all, He wants us to be friends with Him!God’s Word tells us that a friend sticks closer than a brother, and that in order for one to be a friend, one must show themselves friendly. (Proverbs 18:24).

The question is: what type of friend do you desire to be?Arguments separate friends. When we’ve offended a true friend- whether by breaking a trust or by speaking the truth with love- we risk losing that friendship. We must be careful to examine our motives, and remain loyal before making decisions regarding our relationship with friends.

But when not speaking the truth will cause greater hurt in our friend’s life, we must be willing to sacrifice our needs for those of our friend. That is true friendship.

If we offend a friend without meaning to, God’s Word offers a solution. It is called Forgiveness!

There is no greater example than the Love of God for us. It is so great that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, in order that our friendship and intimate relationship with God might be restored. He did that in spite of the fact that we have offended Him. We have disobeyed His commands, turned our backs on Him, and followed our own path.

So the question remains: What type of friend do you want to be?True Christian Friendship forgives. New friends will come. Stay open to others who want to be a friend. Not only when times are good but through difficult times in life.

Reach out and be a sincere friend. One that cannot be swayed by life's storms. Go through the good and bad times. Treat others as you would want them to treat you.