Of all things said about friendships and friends (definitions et al), the finest ones, for me, are found in Proverbs 17:17, “A FRIEND loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”; and Proverbs 18:24, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a FRIEND who sticks closer than a brother.” To all the people I call friends, I want to be a FRIEND that loves them at all times, and a BROTHER that is born for their adversity, and not just for their prosperity and parties. I want to be there for my friends, always!
Towards the end of last year, my father and I were talking about one of my friends, AJ, and my father said of him, “Dele, that young man is a good friend, a friend indeed. He’s unlike so-so and so, and so-so and so, that you called friends then.” So, even my dad could tell who my true friends are. Hmmm! Many times, when I’m talking with my wife and I mention a friend’s name, depending on what she thinks of the fellow, she’ll say, “That one is not your friend o!” Or, “That’s a very good friend!” And, she’s often always right in her assessment of those people. Hey, be not deceived, I know my TRUE FRIENDS o, even though I call many people, “Friends.”
What kind of FRIEND are you to your friends? Are you a fairweather friend, a butter and bread friend, or one that loves at all times, and wades through adversity and challenges with them? Believe me, your ‘friends’ know who you truly are. About ten years ago, I asked AJ, “What do you consider to be my biggest strength, and weakness?” And, he answered, “Bro Dele, your biggest strength is your FOCUS, and LOYALTY to your friends. And, that’s also your weakness. You can be extremely focused, and loyal to your friends.”
I’m glad that JESUS, and people like AJ, PGD, FM, PAID, SA, and few others, call me “FRIEND.”
The Name of the LORD be praised forevermore.
Hallelujah!
DA