Exhortation to Friendship

I want this to be a highly positive note. What is friendship? Webster defines it for us:

Friendship - the state of being friends.

What is a friend? Webster comes to the rescue again:

Friend - one attached to another by affection or esteem.

Clearly, this is a noble calling, more than a passing notice or an infrequent bringing to the mind. The secular definition above gives a sense of continuity, investment, and--frankly--hard work. But we can do better. How does the Bible define friendship?

Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Proverbs 18:24 - A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Friends are important. Very important. In times of persecution or hardship, they may be the primary tool God uses to get you through. Not only that, but I'd wager a guess that true friends are rare. Hard to find, harder to keep and keep in touch with.

Here's where the exhortation comes in. Find friends. Friends who will pray with you, inspire you, exhort you, challenge you, and stick by you. When you find these people--and you will, if you haven't already--don't take them for granted. The person who knows how to friend and be a friend is a rich person indeed.

To everyone reading this note, embrace the challenge. Spend your life learning what friendship is all about. Follow God's example. Don't settle for anything less than His best for you. Life is a journey. May He guide yours.

All the best,

- Daniel