What are friends and friendship

Friendship.

According to Aristotle, a Greek philosopher from ancient times, there are three types of friendship,

I. Friendship of utility II. Friendship of pleasure, and finally, III. Perfect friendship

But what is a friend?

A friend is someone other than family that you share close affection with. A friend will share kindness, sympathy, compassion, loyalty, fun, common beliefs and values.
A true friend will celebrate the good times, and provide support during the bad times.

Ecclesiastes tells us

“You are better off having a friend than being all alone…..if you fall, your friend can help you up.” Ch 4 v 9-10

In the Bible there are many mentions of friends, and it is easy to see the attributes that make a good friend;

Loving, respectful, positive, forgiving, reliable, loyal, inspirational, vigilant, supportive, non-judgemental, trustworthy, cooperative, wise, and self- controlled.

We are told in Luke 6 v 31

“treat others as you want to be treated.”

Of course, the most powerful example of a friend, was Jesus.

John 15 v 12 -13 “Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you. The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them.”

Let us all remember the example Jesus gave us, and be the sort of friend to others that we would want for ourselves.

In a world where we can be anything, let us be kind, compassionate, sympathetic and empathetic, loyal, and fun to those around us, as we journey together towards the Kingdom. There, by God’s grace, we will meet our best friend.

 

Dear Lord,
Help us to be good friends to those around us.
Help us to show love and kindness to others, as you have shown us.
Help us to provide support and comfort to our friends as they have need.
Thank you for being our friend and comforter,
and for our many blessings.
Amen 🙏🏻🙏🏻

 

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