What is a friend?

I have been SO incredibly busy these past several weeks. Needless to say, I really haven't had the time to do much blogging. You already know this, but Page has been doing an excellent job in "holding down the fort". She has covered for me while I've been away, and I appreciate it SO very much!!

I got to thinking about this "Monday Meditation", wondering what I should write about, wishing it was a "Thankful Thursday" so that I could expound on how thankful I am for Page. ;-) Instead, I continued thinking about what a good friend Page is to me.

I wonder how many people understand what a true friend really is? There are many misconceptions about true friendship in today's world. So many relationships are built on selfishness and shallowness. Friendship, marriage, etc, -no relationship will survive, built on these traits.

~Here are a couple of valuable verses from the Bible regarding friendship.
Proverbs 27: 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

True friendships are built on the principles of God's Word.
Are you a friend who is honest? Are you faithful to "wound" in love, speaking the truth, even when it's difficult to do? Or are you described as the "enemy" and flatter your friend with the "kisses of deceit"?

Are you friendly, kind, and loving? Are you a loyal person, not talking behind your friend's back? Are you trustworthy, closer than a brother would be?

The epitome of Christ-likeness - Are you a friend who loves at ALL times? Jesus Christ is the only true and perfect friend, I hope that every one of you know Him as your Lord and Saviour! A relationship with Him is life changing, and one that you can't help but tell others about!

Is your friendship built on selfishness and shallowness or is it built on selflessness and Christ-likeness?

I challenge you this Monday to examine yourself as a friend, and to see if you measure up according to the Bible's definition. If your actions reflect the fact that you're not a true friend, determine to apply these Biblical truths so that you can become one!!

Thank you, Page, for being a true friend to me! I appreciate you and love you more than you know!

~Lauren