What kind of friend are you?

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17, NIV

Today's blog includes an article written by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Editor. This article touches on a point that we at Cache' Connections hear quite often, that is that singles often tell us they are looking for a best friend for their life mate. But what does that mean? This is worth some introspection, especially for those who have never married and almost naturally fall into this pattern. Being a friend and husband or wife is not about what you get, but much more about what you give. A true friend is much more than a playmate ...

Christmas is just about three weeks past us, but the remnants remain on a bulletin board in my office.

There, I have thumb-tacked various holiday family pictures and newsletters that I received in the mail from all different friends and acquaintances. I decided that that's how I would "handle" these materials this year, instead of putting them in a pile to collect dust and go forgotten.

As I look at the bulletin board each day, my heart is warmed as I see the faces of friends who have played different roles in my life: comforter, truth-teller, listener, hugger, encourager, constructive criticizer, relationship decoder/investigator, and so forth.

I see so many ways of serving and giving from so many different types of friends. And I am blessed as I am reminded of what they have done for me. And then I am also convicted: What am I doing for my friends? How am I pouring into their lives as they are pouring into mine? How is God moving me to be part of their worlds? And am I responding to his instruction and guidance in my life?

Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said: "The only way to have a friend is to be one." And he was so right about that. Friendships don't just happen. They take time. They take effort. They take upkeep. And that means we all have to do something if we want to cultivate, grow and nurture relationships with others.

When I look at my bulletin board of friends, if I am truly willing to be a friend "who loves at all times," I know that that means I have to always be ready to shelve or alter my plans in order to help meet the varied needs of others.

It's something God has been working on me for a while now. Am I willing to lay down my plans and sacrifice my time and my desires for my friends? Or is it more important that I get done today what is on my list and what I think is right for me? Am I seeking the Lord for his direction? Am I paying attention to the Holy Spirit for conviction?

Let me warn you, though. Don't ask God to move in your life in this way unless you really mean it. Because when you do ask him to help you be a better friend and to help you reach out to others, he will give you plenty of opportunities that may or may not be what you had in mind.

You might be asked to ...

* Offer your professional skills to someone else in need for free.
* Forgo your after-work errands or agenda to just sit, listen and offer a warm hug/
* Give up your Saturday to help someone move, paint a house or run a garage sale.

Better yet, you might be moved to ...

* Give financially to someone you don't even know.
* Befriend the "different" or "difficult" person whom no one else likes.
* Not take careless words or confusing situations personally and instead choose to "cover" these minor offenses with love.

That's what a true friend does: gets outside of themselves and gives. And gives. And gives! Are you up to it? I'm asking myself the same question. For friends both new and old, how can we be a true friend to someone else today?

Intersecting Faith & Life:

No doubt, at some point in your life you've known what it's like to be on the receiving end of someone who has been a good friend to you. But what's it like to be your friend? Do you take more than you give? Are you ever around? Do you take time to listen and care about others' concerns and life matters? Take a friend inventory today and see what changes you might need to make in your outreach to those you call "friend."

Further Reading:
John 15:13
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

~ Linda
Cache' Connections