Little Rascals

Proverbs 27

Friends are priceless. I am blessed with many: friends, associates, colleagues, tribe, peeps, and “the gang.” These are the people I come in contact with other than family every day. Proverbs provides us with much wisdom on how to choose and be a friend. Aristotle said, “there are three kinds of friends: the ones you need, the ones you enjoy, and the ones you want to be like.” Friends indeed!

Friends in every place

God has ALWAYS given me at least one friend in every place I have lived and these friends remain loyal to this day. Thomas Fuller wrote, “If you have one true friend you have more than your share.” Well, I got more than my share!!!!!

As a teen, I moved to a small southern community and on my 

first day of school a girl raised her hand willing to be my friend.

We have shared our highs and lows ever since. I moved to Maryland right after I married and gave birth to my first child in a place far away from home. My next door neighbor became the “aunt” of my children and my confidant. Her “radar” is impeccable even today. The next move was back to our home state and another small southern town where I would live for decades. God blessed me with a tribe here! Women who pray for me, took care of my children when I was sick and hospitalized, supported me through the illnesses and deaths of my mom and husband, and helped me pack to move again and traveled to help me unpack in my new city. Now, I am waiting to see who the Lord brings to be my friend. Friends indeed!

 

One True Friend

Mitch Albom said, “If you find one true friend in your life you’re richer than most. If that one true friend is your husband, you’re blessed.” I can honestly say, I am the richest, most blessed woman on this planet!! My husband was a faithful friend and companion and I have many true friends. The “hallmark” of a true friend is they share both joy and sorrow. Most friendships are made up of moments shared: Snapshots of life’s moments, ups and downs, and milestones captured in photographs and in our memory.

Friend closer than a brother

Proverbs provides guidelines for both choosing and being a friend. Friends refuse to share your secrets, regardless, because it could “expose your shame and your reputation be ruined.” (Proverbs 25:9-10) A friend is honest to a fault! Their words are often painful because they are true. (Proverbs 27:6) Each makes the other stronger, sharper, and wiser. (Proverbs 27:17) Friends will not forsake you or your parents in times of need. A true friend is often closer than a brother. (Proverbs 27:10) Friends indeed!

A Friend Loves at all times

Aesop said, “A man is known by the company he keeps.” Solomon wrote, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 13:20; 17:17) Jesus said, “I have called you friend. My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” (John 15:12-13, 15)

Job’s friends

But, my favorite verse is from Job. Job had friends who if they had just sat in silence would have been considered great friends indeed, but they decided they needed to talk. Job said, “My intercessor (one who prays) is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” (Job 16:20-21) My friends are prayer warriors and they have stormed heaven on my behalf more times than I can count. They are the reason I am still standing! These have been my friends in deeds of compassion.

Iron Sharpens Iron as one man sharpens another

Solomon reminds us “a man is valued by what others say of him.” (Proverbs 27:21) So to all my friends, I say, “THANK YOU will never be enough!” I thank our heavenly Father every day for each of you and the joy and wisdom you have brought into my life. I am a better person because of you. Even when your words hurt, they were used to “sharpen iron” and make me less prideful, more considerate, and teach lessons I needed to learn. God used you to enrich my life and give me hope when all seemed lost. You are my forever friends indeed!

Painted Ladies of San Francisco, CA  

 

My sister had a painting hung in her house that I have always coveted (YES, I know this is WRONG). It was of the “Painted Ladies of San Francisco” and the caption was this:

“In my Father’s house are many mansions. I hope yours is next to mine!” If I ever find one like it I will purchase it without hesitation! I will hang it in my dining room where friends gather and we give thanks for all our blessings.

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “The only way to have a friend is to be a friend.” Actually, he paraphrased Solomon! (Proverbs 18:24) Jesus is our friend. He is our example. Do we bestow gifts on our friends? Affect others for good? Love at all times? Are we friends in deed?

Forever Friends, by Sandi Patty

 

Oswald Chambers writes in his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, “The final aim of self-sacrifice (friendship) is laying down our lives for our Friend (Jesus). It is a friendship based on the new life created in us which has no affinity with our old life, but only with the life of God. It is unutterably humble, unsulliedly pure, and absolutely devoted to God.” This is our ultimate friendship: JESUS. (My Utmost for His Highest, Aug 25th). Jesus our friend indeed!

Jesus Friend of Sinners, by Casting Crowns

 

My friends are precious to me. I have said good-bye to many through death, distance, and different pursuits. They still matter to me very much. My prayer is for their health and happiness but most of all that they trust Jesus as LORD and Savior! Then, we can spend eternity together as friends INDEED!