👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽The #Biblical Teaching on #Friendship
Part 3
Beloved brethren, I greet you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May His light continually guide our hearts and illuminate our minds. Today, let us delve into the profound teaching of what the Holy Scriptures reveal to us about the nature of fellowship, especially that which is marked by true, godly friendship. For fellowship in Christ is not mere companionship or common enjoyment of earthly things, but is a divine bond rooted in love, sacrifice, and eternal purpose.
In the words of Solomon, “A friend who is near is better than a brother far away” (Proverbs 27:10). Here, the wise king imparts to us the sacred truth that a true friend is one who stands beside us, not only in times of joy but more importantly, in times of trial and tribulation. It is in these moments, when the shadows of life lengthen and the heart falters, that a true friend shines brightest.
Let us explore the depth of true friendship, which Scripture reveals to us.
1. The Helper in Times of Need
A good friend, according to the wisdom of the Scriptures, is a helper in times of need. When the storms of life rise, and we are shaken by trials, a true friend does not retreat into the comfort of their own safety. Rather, they draw near, offering assistance, solace, and guidance. Such friendship mirrors the love of Christ, who, though in heaven, descended to aid us in our greatest need—the salvation of our souls.
Christ Himself exemplified this in His earthly ministry. When He called Philip to follow Him, He did not come alone. Rather, He called his friend Nathanael and together, they were drawn into the circle of discipleship, becoming apostles of the Gospel. From this, we learn that a true friend is not a solitary figure, but one who seeks to bring others into the light of Christ. Friendship, in the eyes of the Lord, is not a relationship of self-interest, but one where the bond between the friends takes precedence over personal desires.
2. The Friend Who Shares in All Things
A true friend is one who shares in both sorrow and joy, as well as in the burdens and blessings of life. This sharing is not limited to material goods, but extends to the heart and spirit. A friend walks with you in moments of pain, bearing the weight of your sorrow as though it were their own. Likewise, they rejoice with you in times of triumph, lifting your spirit with genuine gladness. This shared participation in the totality of life is a reflection of the unity we are called to as members of the Body of Christ.
In the life of Job, we find a profound example of this type of fellowship. Though his friends did not initially offer wise counsel, they were there with him in his suffering, and through God's grace, they were later reconciled to Job. True friendship does not demand perfection or flawless wisdom; rather, it seeks reconciliation and unity even in the midst of disagreement and hardship.
Let us, therefore, learn to bear with one another's burdens and faults, knowing that, as the Lord has forgiven us, we too must forgive our closest friends, for this is the mark of true fellowship.
3. The Role of Family in Friendship
While true friendship is often a bond shared between two individuals, it is not a relationship that is isolated from the broader family context. A true friend becomes, in a way, a part of the other’s family. They do not only share in personal joys and sorrows, but also in the joys and sorrows that touch the family. The intimacy of friendship extends beyond the confines of the individual and becomes a shared reality, a mutual care that affects both the friend and their family.
However, let us be vigilant in our friendships. As the Scriptures warn, the wrong company can lead us astray. A bad friend can draw us away from our spiritual path, leading us into sin or causing us to forsake the truth of the Gospel. Thus, we must be discerning in the friends we choose, ensuring that they lead us closer to Christ rather than further away.
Continues 👇🏽