Submitted by: AsaRose | View Member Profile | View Other Posts
Created: 7/14/2005
Editor's Note: We allow our members to post articles expressing their beliefs and opinions.The views expressed in articles on this website may, or may not be, shared by us. -- The management.
God has placed within us the ability to bond with others, to socialise, to strengthen present friendships and to create new lasting memories with friends we make, as life continues on.
The dictionary’s definition of friendship, is in my view in adequate, since the word friend represents more than mutual affection or simply speaking, good or friendly feelings. It is in truth, Godliness placed within the heart of man in relating to each other.
The best illustration of this is explained in Luke 10: 30 - 35, where a Samaritan, thinking nothing of his personal safety, nor had time to ponder on ethnicity, in a heart beat placed a Jewish man, beaten and left for dead at the side of the road, upon his own beast. He cared for this man more than simple words can explain. Paying all medical expenses for his recovery and representing to us here today that in friendship, a Christ centred heart breaks all barriers of race, class and wealth. These factors of worldliness are unimportant.
However, I cannot bring our attention to ‘A Forever Friend’, without mentioning the truest friend of all time. This individual came from a sinless world. He created us in the beginning, formed us with his very hands and placed the breath of life within our bodies, Genesis 2: 7. Genesis 1: 26 – 28, the fact that we are made in His image shows the depth of love He has for us. God did not make us to be animals but to have dominion over them.
The power of his love pierced even the darkness of our sin on the cross, and brought redemption and eternal life. The best way to explain this love is to say, it is unconditional and everlasting. It does not condone our sin but it embraces the sinner. It is not a feeling, for feelings change at a twinkle of an eye; (I can like you now and be disgusted with you two minutes from now). It cares nothing if you can shower it with presents today, but it is concerned if you are homeless tomorrow. It treasures you no matter your age, education or lifestyle, it works from the inside, flushing out all the impurities and brings a clean lovely complexion on the outside. It is truly Agape, it endures all things, 1 Corinthians 13.
Now with Christ character in mind let us remember:
1. Proverbs 17: 17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
2. John 15: 12, 13 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
3. Psalms 105: 4 Seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore.
4. 1 Peter 5: 6, 7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.
In closing, I also want us to remember that friendships should always be cherished and were meant to last through out time. Our relationship with God is even more vital, for He gives us the strength to make it through day by day. The poem ‘Foot Prints in the Sand’ said it best, “ During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of foot prints in the sand it was then that I carried you.”
God’s blessing with you, and may this thought bring you understanding and peace.
