Two days ago, we defined friend as an “intimate associate” with the concept of family illustrating the what true friendship should look like. Intimacy means understanding the essential and fundamental aspects of a friend’s character. We understand where we share common ground, or if there are such fundamental differences in our characters, that the friendship will require concerted effort. Another characteristic of a friend is that this person is “on the same side of the struggle.” Each Christian has a common enemy whose battleground is the mind. Staying in relationship with believers, sharing this unity of mind and purpose, will ensure that you stay on your universal path and God’s will for your life. In this kind of friendship, each is working toward the same goal, which is to be transformed into the likeness and image of Christ. Where there is unity, there is strength. Paul illustrates this in his letter to the Philippians 1:27 – 28. Take a quick moment to read that. It’s powerful.  

Therefore, among believers, your strength is combined and multiplied.

Life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Life is to be shared with others. Countless examples exist in Scripture of how much difference a friend can make in your life. When Elijah was being pursued by Jezebel, God fed him with a raven and then brought Elisha into his life. Never doubt whether God will feed you what you need.

Today, most people inaccurately label their acquaintances as their friends. Unfortunately, we also often find ourselves developing this surface-level, acquaintance relationship with one or more Members of The God Family. This type of relationship is strictly one of convenience. God wants us to have so much more! If you find someone:

• Who is in Christ (on the same side of the struggle),
• Whom you have seen in light of his/her testimony (that you know well),
• Who encourages others (acts as a supporter), and
• Who knows that you are struggling (is a trustworthy, intimate associate),

then you have all the makings of a true FRIEND. Even then, however, you must be willing to become transparent before that person—a task that is particularly difficult for many.

Finally, another dictionary definition of a “friend” is a “supporter.” The word “supporter” connotes a person who will be there for you regardless of what life throws at you, and be someone who encourages you as the road gets rockier or as the fog gets thicker. Everyone needs someone that they can count on. A great example of a supportive friendship between intimate associates is found in King David’s relationship with Hushai the Arkite (1 Chronicles 27:33). Even though he did not hold an office or any other special position, Hushai was David’s friend. When David was being driven out of Jerusalem by his son, Absalom, Hushai asked David if he could leave the city with him. Instead, David asked Hushai to stay behind, befriend Absalom, and purposefully confuse the advice given to Absalom by his advisors. Surely, David would have loved Hushai’s companionship as he fled for his life, but he wanted his friend to remain safe and trusted him to help him in the future if he were to return to power. David knew that his friend would remain loyal and faithful to him through the good as well as the bad.

Look for someone like Hushai – someone that will stick with you. But remember what I said yesterday – to have a friend you must be one first.

Love Dad