Food for thought

I've been hearing the word "friends" often enough or should I say "no friends". I haven't yet come across any christian who has "no friends" and if people say it, it's because they don't really know a person well. Having no friends at all - bar being a hermit/recluse - doesn't seem possible as Jesus is a friend, a husband or wife is a friend, friendships within families, in the Church, in the wider body of believers, in the workplace, neighbours, maintained friendships from school or university etc.

Friends or friendships range from good friends to friends to acquaintances whom you are delighted to see every time. The level or depth of friendship depends on the individuals concerned and the joy of having friends is that you don't have to see them daily or even weekly. Friendship is a relationship one can have with plenty of people at one time. There is an understanding or connection amongst friends especially good friends and its based on trust. Friends can have similar tastes and persona's but this does not necessarily define the friendship. I have quite a few people whom I would consider to be good friends and these friends range from Mining Directors to house wives - or should I say "Domestic Engineers". Those that are wealthy materially, to those that don't have quite as much.
 In order to be friends or have an understanding about a person, there needs to be a level of openness and honesty, mutual respect, trust etc. Friendships or relationships cannot be forced upon people and having or wanting different social circles doesn't equate to having no friends.

Obvious friendships that inspire me from the Bible are those of David and Jonathan, Jesus and Lazarus, Jesus and John etc. Jesus is our example for everything.

As the saying goes, "In order to have friends, you need to be a friend."

"Always try to bring out the best in other people. In doing so you will bring out the best in yourself." Nicky Gumbel

"7 keys to great relationships: love, trust, forgiveness, communication, honesty, understanding, respect." Nicky Gumbel

Compiled by Molly Manhanga