What does friendship mean to me

Proverbs 17:17 states that A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Of all the friendships in the Bible, that of David and Jonathan stands out, perhaps, the most. 1 Samuel 18 describes their friendship: “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as he loved his own self.”

This is the essence of friendship, to love another as you love yourself. A true friend loves, gives wise counsel, remains loyal, forgives, and promotes the other’s welfare.

With this model example of David and Johnathan, I would have to say that the meaning of friendship to me is, that of being kind, loving, caring, dependable, supportive, trustworthy, truthful and encouraging to someone the way I would be to myself.  

Supportive of their goals, and dreams, being truthful in love even when it hurts but being real. Being there to comfort, to cheer on the other person in their achievements and not be in competition with them.  Knowing when something is ‘wrong’ without either party having to say that something is wrong. The connection is real. Growing up my mother would always say I do more for my friends than my family. I always had that love for my friends. Friendship is sacrificial, giving of my best and giving of my last, and ensuring that the other person is happy. You can call me at any time, even if I am busy, I will make the time for my friend.

 

Getting to know someone takes time, a relationship begins gradually and is sustained thru the ups and downs the good times and the bad times, the joy and the pain and then blossoms into a beautiful friendship.

The bible says a friend sticks closer than a brother. A brother!!! who is your own flesh and blood? Honestly, I can truly say that I have embarked on some friendships that I have given of my best and didn’t work, but, I can also say that I have experienced that kind of friendship like David and Johnathan. Ladies that have been in my life for over 25 years, and one in particular for over 35 years and we are still going strong. 

We check in on each other, we support each other, we encourage each other, we hurt when the other hurt, we trust each other and most importantly we love and pray for each other.

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” Muhammad Ali

 

                        Written by Gail Clarke

                                         Barbados