5/15/17

Sometimes in conversation we refer to someone we may know as being a “friend”. The word “friend” is overused and misapplied. Not all want to be your friend through the times you really need one. What type of relationship does it take to be a friend to someone? To be the type of person they can depend on and come to? What type of person do you need to share with? In 1st Samuel 18:1-3 we read of a relationship between David and Jonathan. This lifelong relationship between these two individuals was based on the concept of love someone like you love yourself. Twice in this passage Jonathan lets it be known that he “loved him as his own soul.” In verse 1 we also read that “the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David.” How do we get to the point in our life that our soul is “knit” with another? Here are some points that you may want to consider before seeking or being a true friend. 

• Choose your friends with some Biblical criteria - You cannot on someone who does not first have a relationship with God.
• Commit to the long haul - Are you willing to invest the time to nurture that relationship?
• Sharing “Ups and Downs” – There will be times of triumph and sorrow. Will you rejoice in the good times and share the burden in the tough times?
• Be thankful – No matter what the situation or the burden be thankful. Express thanks at every opportunity.
• Be patient – Express a willingness to accept change. Show a desire to work through a problem. Lend leadership when uncertainty comes.
• Be considerate – Think about the needs of your fiend over the needs or yourself.

I am sure there are other points to consider but use these to prepare yourself to seek a friend and be a friend. Seek God first and ask him to give that person you need to be a friend. Jonathan and David had a friendship that spanned all they would encounter in their time together. We can have that type of friend as well if we first seek God. Enjoy your coffee!
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Love you all,
Pastor Gary