FRIEND

A friend is a person whom one know and with whom one has a bond

of mutual affection. Someone who you are attached to by affection or

esteem. Friendship is the state of being friends.

I have had all types of friends, and I know that you have too. I have

had friends that have displayed several of these characteristics:

* The Counselor One - you can always rely on them to give you good

advice.

* The Loud One - can be heard from far away.

* The Funny One - witty and fun, full of jokes.

* The Disappearing One - never there when you need them.

* The Wild One - the one that your parents would never have

approve of.

* The Emotional One - they are all about their feelings.

* The Fake One - they are really not your real friend, they are

just pretending to be your friend.

* The Social Butterfly - always invited and attending social events.

* The Broke One - who always wants to hang-out, but never have

any money, and you are always their sponsor.

* The Loyal One - your best friend, non-judgmental and supportive,

no matter what.

There are four levels of Friendship:

* First level is and always will be the stranger;

* Second level is the associate;

* Third level is the general friend; and

* The highest level is the best friend.

You will have friends that will often disappoint you. You will have

friends that will put you down. You will have friends that will let you

down. You will have friends that will abandon you, when you need

them the most. Maybe it’s time to find a true definition of a friend.

A true friend will have your back, at all times. They will stand up for

you, all of the time. Especially, when others try to hurt you. They will

do everything to make you safe. They will help you and assist you

without reservation or reward. They will never deceive you. When

you open-up and share your struggles, disappointments, and secrets,

they will never repeat them.

A true friend is always honest with you and honest about you.

They are always their authentic self and they are always the same.

They will encourage you to become the best that you can be. They don’t

get side tracked by what others say or think of you. They want what’s best

for you. They will be there for you through traumas, disappointments,

mental crisis, and illnesses.

Jesus is that Friend! He is our ultimate friend. Jesus is a friend that

will be there until the end. “You are My friends if you do whatever I

command you” John 15:14. Jesus is loyal, honest, and steadfast. His

friendship is built on being a friend where you never have to doubt

your friend's loyalty. He would never do anything to intentional harm

you and He, always have your best interest to heart. John 15:13 says,

“Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his

friend.”

Jesus will never abandon you. He isn’t around simply for things you

have in your life or what you can do for Him. He is there because He

cares. So when your life get challenging and you find yourself feeling

down, depressed, and overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through

these challenges alone, you will always have a true friend in your

corner.

Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. God

offers intimate and lasting friendships, for those that loves Him and

hold him in highest honor. What relationship could ever compare with

having the Lord of all creation for a friend?

Jesus Is our “True” Bestest Friend!