The gift of friendship

The gift of friendship "A man who has friends must show himself friendly, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." Prov. 18:24.   Loneliness is everywhere. The greatest loneliness can be experienced in a crowd. Loneliness is not just being alone, but a feeling of disconnection, alienation, or separation. We all need friends. We all need support, encouragement, help, and meaningful interaction.   To have great friends: 1) Become one. Instead of wishing for a friend, become one. Show yourself friendly. Give. Share. Help. Encourage. You have a friend because you are a friend. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly." 2) Be forgiving. Meaningful, special relationships have been destroyed because of one unfortunate mistake. How valuable are your friends? If you love them and enjoy them, be willing to forgive them. Hopefully, they will find the grace to forgive you also. 3) Be wise. "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Cor 15:33. Choose friends that will build you up and not tear you down. Choose friends that will make you greater, and who will become greater because of you. 4) Be patient. Cherish your friends. Remember, Jesus called His disciples 'friends'. "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15   Jesus is the Friend that will stick closer to you than even a brother. God calls His believers, friends. You have a Friend who will be with you forever. You have the grace to be a friend and to have great friends.   Kingdom Declaration: I thank God for the great gift of great friends.   Read the Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 23-25; Mark 14:1-26 @Dr Pat Francis @chayil$