An Analysis of Friendship

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

"Some people come into your life for a lifetime. Some come for a season."

"I put everybody who comes into my life into the category of a tree."

God will show you, who your true friends are. Many times when your back is against the wall, you realise the people who have always been there, like a silent partner. And sometimes new ones will be sent in line with that prayer you prayed. They'll emerge to calm the storm and they will help you to get back on track.

So don't allow past hurt, bitterness, envy, jealousy, pride or any other of your sinful nature empower you. Your empowerment should come from Christ via the Holy Spirit who feeds you with the 'fruit of the Spirit'. With the fruit of the Spirit operating in and through you, you will see everyone who God places in your life through the eyes of Christ.

Friendship is a gift from God to each of us. Value your friends. Help them to get back on track when they slip up. Be happy for them when things are going great for them, even if your world is turning upside down. Pray for and with them. It is not possible to dislike someone you pray for. When you go to God in prayer for a friend it means you are developing a closer relationship with God. And you cannot go to God in spirit and in truth if you have hatred in your heart.

But most of all go develop your friendship. Friendship needs maintaining for it to develop to a higher level. Don't run at the first sign of disagreement. It's a relationship and you are getting to know each other. Whenever you have a problem with a friend talk to that friend about the problem, don't sweep it under the carpet or run to God. God is not the one you have the problem with to be running to Him, complaining about your friend. The bible tells us to confront the one who wronged us [Luke 17:3-5].

It is evident therefore, that there can be a variety of friends in ones life, at any one time. Some you may refer to as leaves, others branches and also friends like roots. So today, I would like to encourage you to see your friends for who they are, don't try to make leaves into branches, or branches into roots. God designed a tree the way He desired and likewise our circle of friends are in our lives for specific reasons. Find out what you have to offer and take from the friendship what you are meant to receive. When it's time for someone to move on, 'let 'em go', with your blessings; always being mindful of the bigger picture; God's plan for your life. And through it all, know that God is still in control.

The leaves, the branches and the roots all have their purpose in our lives. So we need to be thankful for everyone that comes into our lives, whether they become seasonal or lifetime friends. So let us be a light that shines into the lives of others; knowing that whether their influence are positive or negative, they serve a purpose and there is a lesson for us to learn that will help us to move to the next chapter of our lives.