Sympathy/pity is one thing. Anyone can give that in an instant. But a true friend can do more than that. They can relate & identify, having been there, done that before. Having walked the same road of suffering, you understand. That’s different. And nothing can replace it! This is real friendship, a bonding of the soul. “Kindred spirits,” as one of my friend calls it.
A bond like this is unbreakable. It’s more than doing things together, spending a lot of time together, talking etc. It’s the deep-rooted feeling, knowing that person will always be there for you, no matter what happens. Because they genuinely care.
"Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had
neither son nor brother... Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can
help the other up. But pity anyone who falls down and has no one to help them... Though
one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
neither son nor brother... Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can
help the other up. But pity anyone who falls down and has no one to help them... Though
one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Friendship is important. It provides accountability & community, a sense of belonging. An opportunity to impact the world & be influenced yourself. It is critical also which friends you choose to associate yourself with (see Proverbs 13:20, 2 Timothy 2:22 etc). What your friends look like is who you will become. Therefore choose your friends wisely.
As Christians, we’re called to encourage & build up our brothers & sisters in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11), to be the salt & light in this world (Matthew 5:13-16).
Some friends are surface-deep. We all know what these so-called “friends” look like, being more like acquaintances than real friends. They’re “fair-weather friends”- fun to be with until things get rough. Then they drop you. A real friend doesn’t do this, however, because they’re there to see you through thick & thin.
A good friend is caring, humble, vulnerable, God-fearing, diligent, passionate, motivated, consistent, wise, patient, joyful, purposeful, mature, respectful, trustworthy, honest, full of integrity, faithful, uncompromising, honorable, kind, self-disciplined, etc. Let’s strive to be this kind of friend!
As Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except on the impact it has upon other lives.”
“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.” – author unknown
