To the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue. (C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves)

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (Proverbs 17:17, Message)

A few moments ago I had an conversation about friendship, marriage and commitment. Although we have a casual acquaintance, I’ve been fortunate to share an important moment in their lives. Our talk left me hoping we become better acquainted. I’m sure that they would say I’m a friend. After all in our modern world we are friends with people we have never met before via Social Media. That is not a criticism of social media. But it is a challenge it seems for some to actually get out and meet people and learn to stand shoulder to shoulder in friendship.

Friendships are necessary to us for true joy, community, growth, encouragement, help, sharing good and bad times. The banter, the criticism, the joy, the sadness, the help and being helped are all a part of friendship. Friendship isn’t about inclusion to a club that helps me in business or politics. Friendship is just because we like and enjoy one another’s company.

• Sometimes the banter about a favorite football team leaves us laughing. We also know those that can’t laugh about and tease about a game.
• My friends believe that I can do better so they offer constructive criticism exhorting me to write another draft. We also know those who all criticism is negative because of their insecurity.
• The joy that comes from achieving a new goal distance running or hiking a new trail in the mountains. It’s a shared memory of exhaustion, achievement and sometimes a swift kick in the pants to keep you moving.
• Friends will grieve with you; fair weather friends can’t be found during that time.
• Helping a friend with a project or being helped by a friend. Pity the man or woman who is alone in time of need.

Above all my friends are a positive influence in my life helping me to achieve my goal of being a passionate follower of Christ. Jesus’ offer of friendship to me is still the greatest joy and honor of life. And to think He offers friendship to all who call on him in faith.

Peace!