A friend has been defined as the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out. George Eliot [Marion Evans Cross] says it this way, “Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words. But to pour them all out just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."

One of the most enduring examples of friendship in the Bible is that of David and Jonathan. “Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself” (I Samuel 18:1). Jonathan was not jealous of David, who was anointed by God to be the next king of Israel, but was glad for him. Jonathan tried to dissuade his father, King Saul, from plotting against David. He then warned David of his father’s intention to have him killed.

The Bible has much to say about friendship. “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Some of the strongest ties of friendship have been forged during the trying times of youth and war.

Friendship involves unselfishness giving and generosity. “Every man is a friend to him who gives gifts” (Proverbs 19:6). True friendship is not based on sharing money but is a matter of the heart. Thoughtfulness and generous giving of praise, encouragement, and kind deeds keeps friendship growing. I still have fond memories of those who gave so generously of themselves when I was going through cancer treatment. Driving me to my appointments, mowing my yard, and mulching the leaves when I was unable to and without asking them to do so. These acts of kindness melted and humbled my heart.

Barnabas was known as a man of encouragement. His name means “son of consolation”. When Paul was a new convert to Christ, the apostles were hesitant and afraid to let Paul into their circle because he had been a persecutor of the church. It was Barnabas who welcomed and discipled Paul. It was Barnabas who encouraged Mark after his first missionary trip was aborted.Close friends are willing to be honest and sometimes confront us when we are wrong. (See Proverbs 17:6.) Friends can help us keep one another sharp and accountable. (See Proverbs 27:17.) Friends can be depended upon in a time of need or danger (Luke 11:5). Close friends can be trusted to keep a confidence. “A whisperer separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:28).

Some have a hard time making friends. Men, people with low self-esteem, and those with a more reserved personality seem to have a more difficult time making friends. To have a friend you must become a friend. “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24). Smile, reach out to someone. Meet a need. Do a kind deed. There are many lonely, hurting, needy people all around us who need a friend. Don’t consider what you can get out of a friendship, but what you can give.

Jesus was accused and put down by the religious leaders of his day. He was called “a friend of publicans and sinners” (Luke 7:34). Jesus is your best friend. He is the “friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Some perhaps would lay down their life for a friend. But Jesus laid down His life for His enemies. (See John 15:13.) “But God demonstrated His own love towards us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Jesus is a friend who “will never leave you, nor forsake you”. He is “with you always, even to the end of the world”. Just think, God desires a relationship with you, not just as Creator, Savior, and Lord but also as a friend. (See John 15:12-16.)

My grandchildren are calling for paw paw to watch another segment of Winnie the Pooh. Pooh hands out his sign “Welcome friends”. Maybe you have been rambunctious or wayward like Tigger or stubborn like Eyore, the donkey. Do you know the friend who laid down His life for you on the cross? Will you be a friend of those around you who need a friend?

How can you become a friend of the Savior and experience everlasting life?
A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

B – Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

C - Confess and leave your sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us form al unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9-10