Women Friendships - Part 5

What is a Friend?
There are two different views of this thing we call friendship, the world's view and God's view.The world's view and the way the world treats their friends can be pretty dim at times. When things are well, we treat our friends well and with respect, but have that one disagreement and it can blow a friendship (if we let it) A friendship based on the world's view is very conditional, and very unforgiving. Sometimes all it takes is one argument, one misunderstanding and a good friendship is gone. We have all been there, had a good friend you have a falling out with and just won't forgive you, whether it was your fault or not.

Don't get me wrong, not all friendships are like that, I believe there are some very strong friendships. Friendships that can withstand a lot, and do. Those friendship that are long lasting are based on principles and morals.

Which brings us to the 2nd view, God's view of friendship.
Proverbs 17:17 says, A friend loves at all times....... All times, that means the good the bad and the ugly.....All times means good times and bad times, working through your differences, not running from them.
Proverbs 18:24 says: A man of {too many} friends {comes} to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Sticks closer than a brother......... The word closer in the dictionary means: Bound by mutual interests, loyalties, or affections; intimate: close friends. Having little or no space between elements or parts; tight and compact: a close weave.God's view on friends is that we are to stick close to each other, forgive each other, unconditionally.A close weave- to have this kind of friendship you need lots of grace and forgiveness and understanding of what a biblical friendship really is.Just like the weave of a rug is closely woven together, each piece of cloth supporting the next, that is how our friendships should be.

I believe it is possible to have a Godly friendship with another, but I also believe it takes alot of work on both parts. You both have to be willing to:1)Listen to the other without judgment2)Have lots of grace when mistakes are made, and no matter how good the friendship there will be mistakes.3)Honesty4)Ask forgiveness5)And you HAVE to forgive6)Respect each otherI know there are more, but I think these are the most important points. You need all of the above ingredients to mix together a Godly and lasting friendship. Once you have this kind of friendship, be careful that none these ingredients are lost along the way, these kind of friendship and just to precious to lose.

Some friendships are fleeting, and some are lasting. True friendships are glued together with bonds of loyalty, commitment and forgiveness. They remain intact, despite changing external circumstances.