Lord, I know that there are so many responses that could be made to the question "What is a Friend?"  The first answer that comes to my mind is "A Friend loves at all times" which is Scriptural (Proverbs 17:17) but what does it mean?

     I've pondered incessantly over this question Lord and my awareness of the definition has become increasingly apparent over the course of this past year, therefore I feel compelled to write what was revealed to me.

     Foremost in my mind Lord, a Friend never puts "restrictions" upon you but allows you to be what God has created you to be.  If your ministry is one of Compassion, then you should be able to operate freely within that specific domain without another human being restricting you from doing so.  Your purpose in life was predestined by God therefore no other human being has the right to perpetrate what God has purposed in your life for His will and glory.

     A Friend never puts "barriers" between your friendships with others and I do know that they should rejoice that you are able to experience and to share in the "Special Gifts" that are found in relationships with others.  In allowing you that freedom to expand your friendships you are able to grow and to develop into your fullest potential because of the special qualities and abilities that these Friends have offered and blessed your life with.  God created us not only to enjoy each others fellowship but one of His greatest and tremendous plans was His desire for us to be able to learn and grow together spiritually, mentally and emotionally.  In this way He knew that we would become stronger and more effective and solidified in our Unity of Christ all because of those "diversified" friendships.

     A Friend will always listen to you when you are feeling hurt...they will never add nor make light of your feelings because they have the wisdom to discern that all you want and need from them is to be that "sounding board..."  To be a good listener is a rare gift that few people possess and unfortunately there are too many people who are "talkers" rather than listeners.  Ultimately it's the talkers that loses out because by not listening they have forfeited the privilege to develop the gift of understanding people.

     A Friend is when you have had a falling out or a difference of opinion with another individual, than that Friend should act as a guiding force in assisting you in making reparations.  That Friend should be a "Peace Maker" and not one that creates "divisive" measures to alienate you even further from that individual.  If they are not "Peace Makers" then you must test their motivation and the reasons as to why they are not wanting you to make reparations.  To me this is a large component of what a "True Friend" is...Scripture demands from each and every one of us to be the Peace Makers.

     A Friend is one that truly understands your heart and the depths of your passions and knows the pulse of your inner being.  They are there to edify you when the rest of the world is so eager to pull and tear you down as an individual.  A Friend understands your quirks but they are 100% unconditionally attached to you no matter what the seasons of time may bring.

     A Friend will never pass judgement but will offer "constructive" criticisms.  Their sincerity should provoke the desire within yourself to become a better person.  They should be like "delectable treasures" that help to strengthen and assist you in looking at a situation in a positive and objective manner.

     A Friend will never be condescending in their tone or choice of words and when they compliment you it is with a truthful heart.  A Friend will never relish in creating hardships for you or for others.

     A Friend enjoys the "nonsensical" and delightful sprigs of what your daily journey is all about.  The laughter you share with them should be plentiful and limitless as this is the best medicine of all.

     I want my Friends to know Lord that I will always wear my heart on my sleeve for them and that I will stand with them and share in their life's journey no matter how big or small that my role may be in it.  I want to be not only their Helper and Servant but most of all I want them to know and recognize that I LOVE them unconditionally no matter what the circumstances are.

     And if I fail, I pray that you Lord will correct me in your ever so gentle way.  For every night of my life may the words that are uttered from my lips cause me to fall down on bended knees and to cry out "Thank-you and Praise You Lord for giving me the Treasure of Life...My Friends!"  For now I know and understand Lord how you feel about what our relationship and life journey should be with You!!

 

With All My Love Lord,

Lorraine

 

Brief Biography:  Married with 2 children (ages 27 & 10) - Have always loved writing & reading - Enjoy Music (praise & worship) and play the piano 

 

E-Mail Address:  jultai@interbaun.com