A friend loves at all times…
there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.…. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 17:7; 18:24; 27:6 NKJV)
My time in Springfield was a time of healing, making friends, and learning to laugh again. I loved my job and found friends among my co-workers. So, many years my life had consisted of “carrying so many burdens”. Certainly, I had some very good friends along the way; but, during the years of abuse I had kept it to those few whom I could trust with my “secret.” Then, in Dexter I had become isolated. Perhaps it was the shame of yet another failed marriage. Perhaps it was that I was too tired battling for my life. Perhaps it was the emotional fatigue that comes from the financial struggles which I was determined to shelter my children from knowing the financial truth. Whatever the reason, I had withdrawn into a time of solitude. Now it was time to learn the value of friends once more.
There is a very special love that true friends have for each other. Within the scripture we see those bonds; David and Jonathan, Jesus with Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Paul with Barnabas and Timothy. Friendships which stood the test of time. Friends are precious treasures, gifts from God to help guide us along this journey of life. We must never take those gifts for granted. To have friends; we need to also learn how to be good friends as well.
What are the characteristics of true friends?
1. See the truth of who you are with all your scars, blemishes and frailties; yet, loves you any way.
2. Sees the potential of who you can become and wants to help you get there. No fear or jealous lives in the heart of a true friend.
3. Accepts you at your worst; but, helps you become your best
4. Knows your past, stands beside you in your present and believes in your future.
5. Someone you can share your everyday experiences with and trust your darkest secrets with.
6. When everyone else has walked away, a friend still believes in you.
7. A friend is never afraid to tell you the truth (even if the truth is painful); because, they want to help you become your best.
“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” C. S. Lewis
So, what a blessing it was that God surrounded me with true friends. I began to learn to just be me and to be loved by those around me. Oh, life still had its trials; but, being surrounded by friends added value to my life. I also learned a lot more about seeing the Friendship love of God toward me. God was step by step revealing to me the full spectrum of His love toward me.
What about you? Do you have a story to share about a good friend who was there for you that you would like to share?
New King James Version(NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.