7 Amazing Characteristics Found in A True Friend’s Love

 

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 Whatever the reason, I had withdrawn into a time of solitude.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.

Friends

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?

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How Is God’s True Love Displayed In A Friend?

Throughout this lifetime, I have been a student of love. My journey was not always smooth sailing; but, the search to discovering the truth of love rarely is. Along this road, I have had my heart shattered at times; usually, because my own heart needed what others could not give. Love born out of need is always wanting and cannot ever satisfy the hungry soul. I have loved my children with a love that would be more sacrificial; yet, as I look back along the way that too I at times failed. Though my heart longed to love them with a more perfect love; the execution was not always perfect. The sorrows, brokenness and failures would cause me to withdraw into a cocoon—hoping that the hard shell would prevent any further pain entering my heart or soul. Yet, that is not where one can remain; because within that cocoon all joy, hope and life dies.

friends

God so gently, lovingly along this journey has placed friends within my life at just the right moments. Those whom I could allow in without fear. The friends with whom I could share my deepest sorrows, my darkest failures and yet, they would remain steady and constant. Step by step they would lead on along this journey. They have been like angels of truth revealing God’s love to me. Through them, I have learned of what love really is. God has revealed Himself through them, His word and His abiding presence with me.

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