Friends

Friends are among our most valued assets.

There may be nothing wrong with having Facebook “friends,” but scripture envisioned something deeper for those we call by this name. For people who attempt to uncritically accumulate as many FB friends as possible, Proverbs cautions, “Some ‘friends’ pretend to be friends (or “A person of too many friends comes to ruin”), but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.”  A few faithful friends or a fickle flock—which is better?

A (true) friend loves at all times. A (true) friend will risk rattling our cage—“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” What a blessing if we can say of the one God has given us as a mate, “This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.”

Abraham was the friend of God. Yahweh used to speak with Moses face to face, just as a person does with his friend. Jesus said, “A slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” Jesus wanted his eleven (and us) to be in the know, along with him, on God’s doings, so that we could consciously participate in and contribute to those doings.

Intimate friends mold us, and we them. “He who walks with the wise shall become wise, but a companion of fools shall suffer harm.” So choose carefully.

Even though it is wise neither to try to be close friends with everyone, nor to become bosom-buddies too quickly, we can at least start out by being friendly. That is, we can make it our practice to be interested, cordial, and pro-active in making others feel welcome in our presence. We can act that way toward our neighbors, and toward all who come through our doors at Grace Fellowship.

Now, most of us already have close friends here at church, and it is always good to chat with them on Sunday mornings. No need to stop doing that! But at the same time, perhaps we could always keep one eye open for anyone who is new, and break the ice with a warm, “Hi, I don’t think I know you. My name is....” Visitors will think, “What a friendly church!” And by being outgoing like this, who knows? we may in time become friends with some amazing, wonderful people!