What A Friend!

     "A Friendly Shade" has found me talking about friendships this week.  Everyone wants a best friend.  Some find it in their spouse, but will he always tell you the truth or what he thinks you want to hear?  Some find it in their long time school mate, but will he or she encourage you toward their way of thinking or just go along with you to keep friendships alive?  Some find it in a parent, yet you may not feel free to tell them "everything."   

     What is a best friend anyway?  It is a very special person in your life; someone you make plans with and look to for suggestions and advice through life’s situations.  It is someone you want to talk with about everything and nothing.  When you are sad, they are sad.  When you are happy, they are happy.  When you have a special event in life, they are there for you.  When you make mistakes, they love you anyway.  A really true friend is never jealous, never envious, never hateful, and never deceitful toward you.  A friend wants the best for you. 

     Does such a person live?  Yes, He does! 

     Imagine for a moment the following:

    

 A robber says: “I’m going to shoot and kill you.”

 Your friend answers: “No!  Kill me instead.”

What kind of friend would do that for you?  Jesus! And He did do it for you. 
John 15:13   Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

This takes me back to a song learned as a child, “What A Friend I Have In Jesus.”

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
 

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