Friendship

     A friend is defined as a person who is attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard, or  just a person who is on good terms with another.

     How do you define friendship?  In Proverbs 18:24 we are told that “A friend sticks closer than a brother.”  However, we are also told to beware of who we  make friends with for they may deceive us. 

     To find a true friend is very rare.  A true friend shares your sorrows.  He knows your weaknesses; he can look on the inside of your heart and love you anyway. A true friend will not reject you when you fail to meet their expectations.   A true friend can be relied upon to share innermost secrets and keep them confidential.  A true friend may not drop by your house or may not call you every day or even see you for years at a time but, when you need him, he is there.  A true friend will cry with you in your sorrow; they will inspire you with your dreams; they will be happy for you in your successes, and they may even tell you when you are wrong. 

     Some friends remain true for a lifetime while others are placed in your life for a season.  Whatever the case, true friendship is a treasure. 

     Some people live a lifetime without ever finding or having a true friend in their lives.  Others may only have one friend who ever enters their lives.  Then there are some who have enjoyed many very close and meaningful friendships.  The one really valuable lesson in life is that to have a true friend, you must be one, too.  You must be willing to reach out and be a strong champion; one who shows compassion, love, endurance, and hours of sharing in successes, weaknesses, and  failures, leaving all envy and jealousy behind.  Friends will not always meet your expectations, but then you will not always meet theirs either.  

     True friends are rare.