-Friend or Not-

That word "Friend" is thrown around probably just as much as the word Love. Whether you live by God's Word or not the Bible is clear who your true friends are. They are those special people in your life that are loyal to a fault, who are there for you in your highs and lows. They don't care if you are not the same in beliefs, or if your married to the same sex, have money or don't-they love you unconditionally. They speak truth in your life because they don't want to see you get hurt. They shower you in prayer and your name is on their prayer wall. 

They are generous beyond, always giving gifts and cards just because. 

They always seek peace even in disagreements

 and do not let offense come between you-

But most of all they Love you at all times-

Proverbs 17:17

A Friend Loves at all times-

That word Love is an action and All means no matter what!

If you don't have a friend that Loves you at all times and no matter what-

Be that Friend-lead the way.

Be that true Friend-shine your Love-it's a rare gift-

Friends

I've been deeply hurt over and over by a friend who I thought was a true and faithful friend. I think many can relate. I've done everything that God has showed me to do to reach out in Love to somehow try and fix the friendship over the years- anything but to let it go. But I had to learned the hard way-she wasn't a biblical-faithful-friend.. I have given this friend to God and continue to pray for her. I still believe that one day we can be friends  because...Love believes, Love never ends-never fails...and I still love her and I still believe in us.

This is what God has shown me in the process, and I hope it will help you...

A friend loves at all times-loves is an active word. It doesn't mean sometimes I love you sometimes I don't. It loves at all times-through all circumstances-through all differences-

I realized that "I" wanted a "Biblical" friend-not one of the flesh, or a friend that was here today gone tomorrow-but one that we can be bonded together for life through Christ. Let me add I have some wonderful non believing friends who are very loyal and love me and I love them...I am writing this to have more Christ center friends..and this might be a tall order-but since God says I can have that (and you can too)-(in His word) it's what I desired. My motive was to love her and each other like Jesus I just assumed we were each loving that way. My fault.  Never-ever assume-verbalize your friendships..

What is a biblical friend?

Loves at all cost

Fierce Loyalty 

Holds you up when you are down

Is there for you in your highs and lows

Doesn't think of you as a "second thought" when making decisions, because they value your faithfulness

Are committed and continually show that 

They don't counsel to your flesh-they share God's truth

They strengthen you through God's Word

They pray for you

They protect you

They show acts of kindness 

They ask how you are-and talk less of how they are

Relentless givers-their time and their resources 

There are so many more attributes of a true and biblical friend, my point is for you to search your hearts and ask God to show you if you're a faithful friend or just a passing friend.

Are you an absolute-totally-committed-friend?

With God's help lets become friends that love at all times and ones that reflect a true bond of loving each other through Christ.