Friendship

Friendship

A friend accepts us as we are and is patient with our faults. A friend points out our strengths and rejoices at our successes. A friend’s presence and listening ear fill a void in us and give our lives a sense of validation and greater depth.

Charles Swindoll

You became My friend when you said yes to Jesus. True friendship always involves a relationship. At times you’re disappointed when you reach out to other people, hoping for a meaningful connection, but find rejection. Friendship must be based on trust. The mutual sharing of thoughts, feelings, frustrations, heartaches, and dreams with someone trustworthy creates a bond that is not easily broken. Allow your relationship with Me to develop over time as you grow in wisdom and spiritual maturity. Unconditional love results when a friendship grows deep and there is uncommon support given during times of uncertainty and struggle.

When trust is broken, the cost is great. “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars” (Proverbs 18:19). However, true friendship has pure motives—not “What can you do for me?” but “How can I sacrificially show my love to you?” There is no greater example than My only Son giving His life on the cross for you so that your friendship with Me could be restored. I am your Friend, and “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5).

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24, NIV