Friendship

Bulletins

Philip Taft
02/01/25 - General

If you were to be asked who is your closest friend, or who are your closest friends, who would come to mind? How long have they been your friends? What experiences and struggles have they gone through with you that gives you the impression that they are a “true friend”?

When we observe famous bible friendships such as David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, and Elijah and Elisha, what characteristics do we see? Were there particular trials they endured side by side that tested their loyalty and bonded them more closely?

Friendship in part can be seen as walking side by side with, as well as an increasing bond to the one with whom we have endured trials while increasing in love and loyalty.

It is no wonder we are warned against friendship with the world in James 4:4 “You adulteresses Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God”. We are not to be loyal to or bonded with the world. With gladness and a full heart, we may respond to the offer of true friendship, a friendship with God that Abraham had when it says ““Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God”.