Who Do You Call Friend?

Friend-noun---1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.


Friends.  Interesting term by definition.  Like many other terms of endearment, it has many different levels of meaning to those who use it.  Think with me.  Would it be more appropriate to classify those folks in our lives whom we only know as business associates, neighbors, church family, etc. as "acquaintances" (Acquaintance-noun---1. a person known to one, but usually not a close friend.) rather than "friends"?  Proverbs 18:24 is the premise for today's blog.  Let's read that together:


"A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (NASB)

Allow me to also include the definition of the term "brother" for clarification purposes:

Brother-noun---1. a male offspring having both parents in common with another offspring; a male sibling.

With the terms defined and God's perspective included, would we honestly divulge intimate personal information and/or concerns with an acquaintance or for that matter, ANYone that's considered a friend in today's definition of the term?  Most likely, the loose definition we are all familiar with today, would not deem it wise to do so.  Not to negate, but also be aware of gender safe boundaries also. 

We are social beings and are created for relationship.  Friends make life a most interesting adventure and usually bring out the best and possibly, at times the worst in us as well. But seek to become a friend and to have friends. (Okay, at least be friendly.)  Some of those we meet we may naturally gravitate toward more so than others because of commonalities, and that's okay. We're in this together. Viva la difference!  

Also, and most importantly, don't miss out on the dearest of friendships anyone of us could have on either side of heaven, and that being with the One who gave His life for you!  His name is Jesus.  The best friend you'll ever have the privilege of knowing!  

I've included a link  for Selah's version of "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" as you ponder today's blog on friendship.  Be blessed! 


Wonderful, Merciful Savior