Do you have a "true" friend? Are you a "true" friend to someone? C.S. Lewis writes that not unlike art and philosophy, friendship "has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival." The anals of history, the volumes of poetry, the songs of every genre, cross-cultural literature, and artistic expression promulgate the joys and rewards of "true" friendship.
If you are blessed to have a "true" friend who loves you (despite yourself), you have received a wonderful blessing. Loving unconditionally, without expecting anything in return, is what "true friendship" is all about!
The Bible is filled with great examples of "true" friendship of which the foundation is love--Ruth and Naomi, Jacob and Rachel, Jonathan and David, Esther and "her people," Paul and Timothy, Jesus and John, Mary and Joseph...
The gift of a flip calendar is displayed on the kitchen counter where each year for the past three, I flip it over and reread the inspiring quotes. Today, the quote was from the HOLY BIBLE, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail." [Lamentations 3: 21-23 NIV]
Jesus longs to be our friend, and in Him we have more than every gift and quality ever conceived in the greatest anals of history, music, philosophy, or art...We can have an eternal relationship that does not fade, wither, disappoint, or fail.
As the hymn writer so eloquently expressed in the song, "What A Friend...," Jesus is our every refuge...He will always be there, ready and waiting to accept each and every one of us in an unconditional "friendship" of His love for ever and ever!
THANKING GOD FOR THE GIFT OF "TRUE" FRIENDS IN MY LIFE TODAY...AND, THANKING HIM, MOST OF ALL, FOR JESUS WHICH IS THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF LOVE AND "PERFECT FRIENDSHIP."
Copyright 2014 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges All rights reserved
Good to speak with you today... be strong.. and keep taking good care of yourself (while you take are of others).
ReplyDeleteThank you Deb ...It was great seeing you as well ...You are a true friend!
DeleteLove and hugs!
Mom, thank you for being a true friend to me! With Jesus as our best friend and each other as BFOEs, we are truly blessed! Thank you for this encouragement reflecting on Jesus as our true "forever" friend! I love you a lot!
ReplyDeleteUrBF,
Chrysalis