The Love of a Friend

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

We all need friends and the more the better! In this social net-working world we live in, many people have hundreds of Facebook friends and Twitter followers. It seems for many individuals, the more they have, the more accepted and connected they feel. But if that’s the case, why are there so many articles and survey results by the experts that tell us that more and more people are feeling lonelier, more isolated, and more disconnected than ever before? Could the reason be because we seem to have less and less human contact with our friends, family members, and neighbors?

Perhaps we need those opportunities to spend time with them face to face and reconnect with a pat, a handshake, or a hug! A few words written quickly on a page, sometimes for the whole world to see, just don’t seem to have the same effect as actually being with friends, talking about our lives, knowing that they are listening, and that they care!

Having a close friend relationship is a rare treasure these days. The experts tell us that texting, tweeting, or Facebook messaging can provide the illusion of companionship, but there can be no real intimacy or deep connection of the heart.

One recent poll found that 1 in 4 people admitted to having no one in their lives that they could talk to or confide in about their problems. And it was found that the majority of those who do have friends confessed to having only 1 or 2 that they felt close enough to turn to in times of need or that they could trust. And most responded that they only had 3 or 4 people in their lives they could even call their friends.

In this busy, fast-paced world we live in, forming deep friendships is much more difficult than it used to be. Friendships need nurturing with time and attention. We may need to help carry a friend’s burden or be there when they need us. And for this reason alone, some individuals have difficulty making and keeping friends. Because of their fear and vulnerability, they may be concerned that these friends will expect too much or take advantage of them, or even betray their trust.

But in order to have a friend, we need to be a friend. With no investment in a relationship, we can expect no return. We need to be generous in our encouragement, love, and praise to these special people in our lives. They deserve our respect and appreciation.

When God created us, He didn’t intend for us to face the struggles and stresses of life by ourselves. He didn’t design us for isolation. We need friends to walk with us through the challenges and painful circumstances of life. We need their encouragement to remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We need them to share our joys and sorrows, and what comfort it brings to know that they love us and care about what we are going through.

We all need friends. God honors true friendship and devotion to another. There is no gift greater than the loyalty and love of a good friend, someone to be there when we need them, to laugh and cry with, and to share the wonderful experiences of life. We need to honor the friends we have, hold on to them and cherish the times we have together.

What a blessing mine are to me! I am so grateful for the dear ones I have and pray I can always be worthy of their love and friendship. 

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for special friendships and what they bring to our lives. Help us to be a better friend to all those we come in contact with, for it is your command that we should love others. Amen