"A friend loveth at
all times . . ."
"A man void of understanding
striketh hands,
and becometh
surety in the presence of his
friend."
Proverbs 17:17-18
Friendship
FRIEND!........What a precious
word.
One of the privileges of
friendship is being able to
speak frankly. Little by
little, and day by day, we
become accustomed to saying
what we think we ought to say
instead of what we really
think. How comfortable and how
pleasant it is to speak freely
without having to be on guard.
As the Arabian says, "A friend
is one to whom we may pour out
the contents of our hearts,
chaff and grain together,
knowing that the gentlest of
hands will sift it, keep what
is worth keeping, and with a
breath of kindness, blow the
rest away."
Another privilege of
friendship is that of being
understood. Perhaps it was
this quality which caused
someone to write about how
animals are such agreeable
friends. They ask no
questions; they pass along no
criticisms. Understanding is
to be expected of friends.
Total agreement and
acceptance? Not necessarily!
As one anonymous writer has
said, "The strength and
sweetness of friendship
depends on sincerity tempered
by sympathy."
Another privilege of
friendship is the privilege of
silence. If one is but a mere
acquaintance we feel that we
must talk. So we turn to such
exciting subjects as the
weather, our health, etc. But
what a joy it is to have a
friend that will even
understand your silence and
not say, "My friend is not my
friend anymore because she is
not talking."
Friends have mutual interests.
They enjoy doing the same
kinds of things, and talking
about their shared interests.
Friends are mutually devoted
to each other. When you are in
trouble, it is not merely your
friend's duty but their
privilege to stand by. If they
are in trouble, you count it a
privilege to help.
Friendship is all of
this..........and a whole lot
more! But now it causes one to
ask:
"Are God and I friends?"
May we all spend time with our
dearest, loving Friend, Jesus.
He wants us to confide in Him
too!
"Lord Dictated
Them"
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