FRIENDSHIP

I Was Just Thinking About – FRIENDSHIP.

What do we mean by the term friendship and how important is it to have a true friend. The dictionary offering is: “a friendly relation or intimacy; a friendly feeling of disposition.” Synonyms that are suggested include: “harmony, accord, understanding, rapport.” Years ago, Cole Porter wrote the lyric to a song that he called, “Friendship.” A recurring theme throughout the song regarding the extent and availability to another person is: “It’s friendship, friendship, just a perfect blend-ship. When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot.”

Proverbs 17:17 indicates what a friend should be and do: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” How many true and genuine friends do you have? Do they meet and match any of the definitions or suggestions listed above? Who do you feel comfortable with as a confidante? On an earthly level, how many friends can you appeal to absolutely count on and trust? A focus point in Proverbs 18:24 indicates: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” There is a significant distinction between one who is an acquaintance versus one who is a true a reliable friend.

Who is that friend that has proven he sticks closer than a brother? John 15:12-15 states the words of Jesus: “My command is this – love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this - to lay down one’s life for one's friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.”

Jesus exhibits and defines what a friendship includes. There is a transformation from one being a servant into a relationship of intimacy where one is called a friend. The intimacy assumes trust and the granting of knowledges in terms of God’s thoughts, word and will. How well do you know Jesus. Is He the Friend of friends to you – for you? The Hymn Writers capture this truth when they wrote: “What a FRIEND we have in Jesus…; Jesus, What a FRIEND for sinners…” There’s an old Hymn not often sung that includes: “Sweet it is to sing of Thee, Jesus, our FRIEND; Of Thy great love so free, Jesus, our FRIEND; Oh, for a heart to praise, through all our earthly days, Thy wondrous works and ways, Jesus our FRIEND.” There are many other hymns about the friendship of Jesus that should be a song in and flowing from one’s heart.

A fellow-servant of the Lord has been writing posts that reference the approach to evangelism by John Teter – The Power of the 72. The sub-title is: "Ordinary Disciples in Extraordinary Evangelism." What I have gleaned so far is that there is a lack of urgency for a “now” and “today” in terms of the day of salvation.

Years ago, my family and I were involved in a church that had outlined and developed an outreach effort called Friendship Evangelism. A Family Commitment was made to reach out and invite newcomers in a Church setting or near-neighbors by inviting people to one’s home in a Friendship Outreach. People would be invited to dinner. Paper cups and plates were discouraged whereas china and crystal was suggested. Would there be some risks? Yes! Might some people be turned off by this method? Yes! Could it be – was it – effective evangelism? Yes! Did all in the Church family participate? No! Should they have done their part? If they are Biblical Christians and committed to God’s Gospel, Yes!

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.