ARTICLES & DEVOTIONS >> POETRY >>
WHAT IS A FRIEND
What Is A
Friend
Author:
Lorraine M
Tailleur
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 solidifed
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
Full Name: Lorraine M Tailleur
Location: 94 Wolf Crescent
Edmonton,
Alberta
Canada
T5T 1E2
Brief Biography: Married with 2
children (ages 27 & 10) - Have always loved writing & reading
- Enjoy Music (praise & worship) and play the piano
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