Friendship in Time of Crisis
Being a friend means being available, especially in times of crisis. You give the greatest comfort by simply being there and listening. Your caring presence can help start the healing process in a troubled person’s life.
Friendship
Friendship
We all make various acquaintances throughout our lives—people who come into our circle for a season and then move on. With some, we’re content to let them go. But with others, we’re not. Once an acquaintance turns into true friendship, we hold on more tightly to that friend. A friend is a favoured companion for whom we feel affection or esteem. Why is a friend favoured? Most likely, it has much to do with how we feel when we’re with him or her. A friend accepts us as we are and is patient with our faults. A friend points out our strengths and rejoices at our successes. A friend’s presence and listening ear fill a void in us and give our lives a sense of validation and greater depth.
Do you have such a friend? Do you know how to be that friend? These resources can help you recognize the need for friendship and develop the attributes that will make you a treasured friend to others.
A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need.
(Proverbs 17:17 NLT)
Friends are Sheltering Trees
A sheltering tree is a great description of a friend. We all need friends who will stand by us, in good times and bad. Going it alone is not how we’re wired.
You Can't Please Everybody
When is the last time someone should have looked you in the eye and said, “Mind your own business?” If you spend your time worrying about how others live, you’re idle. You have too much time on your hands.
The Importance of Relationships
We live in a society of isolation and indifference. But the truth is, we need each other. When you’re separate, you’re weak. And if you think you can make it through life on your own, you’re headed for a fall.
Making a Positive Difference
Think for a moment about the people you’ve known that have made a positive difference in your life. Leaving a legacy of helping others and making a difference is something we can all do.
Fellowship
In Greek the word is “koinonia,” and means a deep level of sharing life in harmony and unity. Fellowship is fulfilling and satisfying.
Learn to Say "I Love You"
The words, “I love you” make an incredible impact, especially when they’re authentic. There’s nothing shallow about authentic love. Real love has staying power. It always opts for working through. It’s resilient.
Life Changes
Life is not static; things are constantly changing. Have you ever stopped to thank God for not telling you the future? He dispenses life one day at a time and that’s how He wants us to live—trusting Him for each moment of every day.
Four Types of Friends
There are four types of friends: acquaintances, casual friends, close friends, and intimate friends. While we may only have one or two intimate friends, they’re the people who help to make the journey a little easier.
The Need for Character
Hard times call for two things: Friends and character. If you have gone through hard times in recent days, you know the value of both. Character rests on truth, reinforces a life, and resists the temptation to compromise. Those who’ve impacted our lives the most have been people of character.
