 |
| (Photo Courtesy of http://khyatikothari.com/whats-friendship/) |
One of the wisest persons that ever
walked upon the face of the earth said, "Two are better than one."
While other put this in the context of marriage, it should also be understood
in the context of friendship. How many real friends do you have? Are there people
whom you can call real friends? Where do you find those real friends?
Some think that best friends are found
only in the Christian community but that is not always true. On the one hand,
perhaps your best friends are Christians but on the other hand perhaps your
worst enemies are also Christians. No wander Jesus said "Love your
enemies." When I was growing up, I was told to choose my friends wisely.
They told me that my friends determine who I will be. I think that is only half
true. You shouldn't limit your friends within the Christian community. There
are many non-Christians out there who are not religious but morally
upright. Non-Christians are real because they have nothing to hide. There
is no need for them to hide behind the facade of religiosity. Haven't you
notice that some of the worst hypocrites called themselves Christians?
Three things to keep in mind what friendship can offer.
- True Friendship Provides an Atmosphere of Trust
Trust means freedom to share and
communicate without fear of rejection. When you trust someone you are free to
share even your deepest secret and longings or your greatest struggles and
frustration. You knew that when you confide to them, they will understand you
without malice and condemnation. Where trust is, there is an atmosphere of
acceptance.
- True Friendship Produces an Avenue for Growth
Your friendship creates an avenue for
further growth. There are things you learn from your friends that you would
never learn from a book or from a lecture. The growth you gain from your
friends worth the friendship. I've grown spiritually because of friends'
influence, insights, and encouragement. If you surround yourself with
friends who are leaders you will soon improve your leadership ability. If you
surround yourself with friends who are compassionate you will soon catch their
compassionate heart. If you want to influence others deeply invest more
time in genuine friendship.
- True Friendship Paves an Arena of Support
You'll discover who your real friends
are when you are in a difficult situation. The people you expect to stay with
you may be the first one to deny you. Be prepared because rejection is
inevitable in the context of friendship. You will be rejected and denied of
help.
Real friends stay with you through
thick and thin. You’ll be amazed how your friends value you when you are in
great need. It is true that money can buy friends but not friendship. Friends
who are close to you when you have things to offer may be the first one to back
out when you have nothing to give. They are there because of what you can give
them. If you have many real friends, you have more support when you are in
need. Moral and spiritual support is the greatest support you will need from
your friends and they are what your friends needed the most.
When your friends are in need, give moral and spiritual support. Financial support is a part but real friends understand when you have nothing to give them. This is what friends are for; give and take, take and give.
