Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/93

Contributor - John Spriel

Title - As For Me And My House: The Gift of Friendship

Topic - Friendship

As human beings we were created with a desire for companionship and fellowship with others. One gift which God has given us to fill that desire is the gift of friendship. So often we look at friendships in terms of what we can gain from the relationship rather than what we can give. In light of this, I would like to reflect on some of the many things the Bible says about friendship, as well as some personal examples of true friends from my own life.

The Bible often shows Christ as the example of perfect friendship. In Prov. 18:24 we read "...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." And in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." What a challenge to all of us - do we love our friends this much?

An example from my own life is of a friend and neighbour who was diagnosed with cancer and was told she had only a few months to five. She insisted on staying in her own home, even though she had no one to care for her. When her friend in Australia heard of her condition, she unselfishly took a leave of absence from her teaching job and came to nurse Marjorie to the end. With her friend's devoted, fantastic and excellent care, our friend was able to have her wish and remain in her home until she died. God bless her true friend from Australia!

While friendship is a gift, it is one which requires an effort on one's part in order to receive it. I remember speaking to a man whom I had known for years. He told me he had no friends. I felt pity for him and offered him my friendship. However, he never tried to have a friendly conversation or phone call with me. I noticed when he was with others he never smiled, greeted others, or made an effort to be nice to others. I realized then why he had no friends, and felt sorry that he was missing out on such a precious gift.

My mother-in-law used to say "a friend is one who knows all your faults, and loves you just the same." How true this is. Friends are people you can laugh with and perhaps shed a sympathizing tear. A few of the most encouraging words to us have been found on cards signed "Your neighbours and friends." We know these people support us and care about us.

Thank you God for friends,

Thank you for the ones who

need me, giving purpose in life

Thank you for the one who I need,

who teaches me gratitude

and humility.

Thank you for those who are

different, that I learn tolerance

and forbearance

Thank you for those I love,

they are the true joy in my life

And oh, God thank you especially

for each one who loves me,

for while I am loved by someone

there is reason for my being.

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