Standing By!

When it comes to “standing by”, some do so simply to watch what happens while others stand by to offer help and support that may be needed. What marks the character of a TRUE FRIEND? Someone has said, “A friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] There are some situations in life where it becomes very evident who our TRUE FRIENDS are. Friends may come and go in life. Perhaps some even feel like a revolving door with people coming into their life and going right back out. Anyone come in to stay?

Solomon noted…
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but THERE IS A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER.” ( Proverbs 18:24 ESV)

The friends who walk out are generally those who seek friendships in order to gain something for themselves. When these stop getting they get up and leave. The friends who abide are those who are willing to consider the best interests of others with a genuine desire to help. In such relationships the benefit generally becomes mutual. We each have our times of need for encouragement or other assistance and then there are the times we are presented the opportunity to extend such. That is the power that works among TRUE FRIENDS.

Do we have friends we can count on? Are we the type of friend who walks out or remains through thick and thin? Having one close TRUE FRIEND can prove better than many mere acquaintances. In some cases a TRUE FRIEND may even be found to stick closer than family.

Let us seek to be the kind of TRUE FRIEND we also wish to have and need. The first part of the above verse in the New King James Version (with KJV similarly translated) reads, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly….” As we genuinely extend friendship we will find it will also come to us.

Have a great day BLESSED BY THE POWER OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Friendship