Close friends were greatly valued in ancient times, but are comparatively rare today. In a more modern society, we have instead many acquaintances but that is not the same thing.

Friends have one great advantage over family, they often retain a great ‘distance’ from us that results in more respect, but does not diminish their ability to criticize or rebuke us when they think we have done something wrong.

We can be open and honest with each other without being rude or abusive.

Real friends, according to Proverbs love at all times and not just when it suits them.

Proverbs 17 verse 17 {message bible} “Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”

Friends will stick closer than a good brother.   Proverbs 18 verse 24 {message bible]   “Friends come and go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.”

Remember Scripture verse 36    1 John 3 verse 2 “But Friends, that’s exactly who we are; children of god.”

Our Lord and Our Friend is the best friend we can ever have. He will stick by us no matter what the adversity.

It is a friendship money can’t buy, and the wrong way to have friends is to try to buy them.

Proverbs 19 verse 6  [message bible] “Lots pf people flock around a generous person; everyone is a friend of the philanthropist.”

A real friend will grow with you in friendship.

Proverbs 27 verse 17 {message bible] “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friends sharpens another.”

A real friend can be trusted in the darkest times.

Proverbs 27 verse 6 “The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.”

Be a good friend to somebody today, tell them about our ultimate Friend, Our Lord and Friend Christ Jesus.

Be the best friend you can be, because we have such a great Friend as an example and remember the words from that song ‘My best Friend is the Creator of the Universe’.

A friendship that includes Christ Jesus will last for eternity.

God Bless.

O F J.