What does true Friendship look like?

Friendships today are being defined differently since the increased use of social media. Social media has provided plenty of resources and positive benefits; however, we can lose the intimacy that comes with proper friendship, if we put all trust in the world of the internet. The Word of God defines friendship in many passages of scripture. Let take a little journey.

The characteristics of a friend are very diverse, and detailed according to the proverbs. In summary, proverbs dialogues about a man that refrains from gossip, but having a passion to remain pure in heart, and in deed, as well as having a gentleness in his spirit. A friend should follow the Lord’s directions, demonstrating unconditional love, and charity. Friends, should not avoiding accountability, but sharpening each other as ‘Iron sharpens Iron.’ I believe the proverbs are encouraging us to value truth, and to be available for one another. The proverbs also challenge us to be generous, faithful, mindful, and respectful to our neighbors. The more I read this, the more I realize that these are the type of friends I need in my life, moreover this is the kind of friend I long to be.

Jesus says,

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12, 13)

Reality, it is impossible to love the way Jesus love, as He humbly laid His life down for humanity. However, it does not mean that we cannot work hard at building healthy friendships as well as, serving each other with charity. News flash! Your brother or sister in Christ is not the enemy. Christ and his disciples had unity that was governed by the law of love; Jesus sets the example for us to follow in loving one another. Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves full-time at America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 8-14

Think About This:The proud man has no God, the envious man has no neighbour, the angry man has not himself.B Hall

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24