TRUE FRIENDS

True friends are rare these days. When everything is so commercialised and self-centred, it is a small wonder that friendships too are so fickle and fragile.

A true friend is someone who loves you at all times. This is what the Good Old Book says – “17 A friend loves at all times…” – Proverbs 17:17. This simply means that external factors, nor any other factor, whatever their significance and seriousness, have no bearing on the friendship, except the unselfish love for the other, without any ulterior motives, nor any expectations.

It doesn’t change with time. Problems, Differences, Disagreements and Difficulties do not drive a wedge between the friends. They may very well disagree. They may have difference of opinions. Yet, their friendship stands strong because it is founded on love and freedom.

However, none of the above mean that the friend doesn’t care for honesty, integrity and truthfulness in the motives, thoughts, words and deeds of the friend. He will speak the truth, even if it hurts his friend. But is unwilling to lose the friend because of differences and disagreements. Paul and Barnabas had a serious disagreement about John Mark – Acts 15:37-40. They went their own ways, but never disowned each other. This is true friendship.