Can you tell me the difference?

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Permalink Reply by Tammy_LIBAW on November 12, 2011 at 4:18pm

True friendship is independent on circumstances. A friend loves at all times. I looked up several verses which I think all things should align with the Word of God.

Ecclesiastes 4:9
[ The Value of a Friend ] Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.

Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

James 4:4 Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

This is one of my favorite

James 2:23
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

Proverbs 18:24 Man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. 

Also an awesome example of the truest friendship in the Word is the friendship of David & Jonathan. I know my response is all over the place but my kids are driving me nuts at the minute. lol

 

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Permalink Reply by Colby Chase on November 12, 2011 at 7:06pm

Angela, There are as your question implies degrees of association, friendship and intimacy between people.  We engage in small talk with the friendly barista at a coffee shop and others with whom we come in contact during the course of a day.  These encounters may be with people we frequently come in contact with or they may be isolated and sporadic--like ships passing in the night on the wide open sea; that is, we may never see that person again.  We do not really know the other person, and they do not know us.  We are friendly, courteous, polite, and respectful toward one another because that is what is expected of us in a civilized society. 

 

But we are not friends.  Friendship is a more tangible, durable, deeper, and meaningful kind of association than acquaintance.  It takes time to develop, is based on more than convenience, expediency, business necessity or social utility; also, it involves reciprocity and mutual give-and-take.  Some friendships are longer lasting and closer or more meaningful than others.  There are degrees of friendship.  They involve time and effort.  Eventually, if there isn't a commitment on the part of the two people to maintain a friendship, it will wither with time. 

 

Here are some of the key defining attributes or qualities of friendship based on my experience.

• Honest and sincere with us.
• We have shared interests.  They are fun and interesting to be with.  I miss them when I do not have contact with them.
• Supportive--even when times are bad.  If I'm feeling down, a friend will cheer me up.
• Loyal.
• Trustworthy and reliable.
• Cares about me and my feelings.
• They aren't judgmental and critical.
• Likes me despite my faults.
• Forgiving.
• Enjoys my company.
• Adaptable.

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