A True Friend

There are times when acquaintances in our life provide a timely and caring prayer or action of encouragement that reminds us to keep going, to persevere in where we are or the direction we are moving.

There are times when companions in our life provide a necessary rebuke or message for us to straighten up, remember the bigger picture, and get on to where we need to be.

There are also times when certain people just give us their silent presence and complete attention in a specific moment when we need someone. Those types of acquaintances and companions who "just happen to be there" are gifts from God to us. What a blessing God gives us in having true friends.

True friends genuinely care about what is in our best interest, not so they can manipulate our situation to get something out of it for themselves, but just because God has placed it on their heart to care about us. They listen, ponder our situation, and provide insightful necessary guidance, or humor, that encourages our growth.

From John 15:13-17 (ESV):

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 [his own self-interests] for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. [inserted for emphasis]

May we be about the right attitudes this week as we strive to be a truer friend to others.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

The word meek (not "weak") implies gentle people who do not assert themselves over others in order to further their own agendas in their own strength. These people trust in God to direct the outcome of events.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

These people long for God's righteous character to be evident in lives of people, not for more comfort and ease for themselves. They are seeking first the kingdom of God.

Blessed are the merciful and pure in heart, whose pursuit of purity and uprightness affects every area of their life.

May our awareness of the true friends God has placed in our lives increase, may the quantity of true friends in our lives increase, may we, by God's grace, be a true friend to more people, and may we remember that The True Friend is always available to us if we just ask Him.

Christian Ponder has been a resident of Lake Wales since 2001. He enjoys living in Lake Wales with his wife and two children.