The benefit of true friendship: The closer, the better – Part 1

Man was created not to be alone (Gen 2:18). In man is infused the desire for companionship, fellowship and relationship. Even a hermit has a need for these desires even though it is minimal and limited. It was on this note that Apostle Paul said in Romans14:7: “For none of us lives to himself.…”

The desire for true companionship must not be wild if the true purpose of one’s existence is to be achieved, because to a certain degree you are who you hang out with and the man you hang out with may hang your destiny forever. “Do not be deceived evil company corrupts good habits,” (1 Cor. 15:33).

One of the strongest weaknesses of man is excesses. Connection with the source of man’s existence, helps the man to achieve true friendship, relationship and companionship; when a man is disconnected from His creator every other thing he does will be subject to trial and error without certainty of positive impact.This is the reason for the invitation by the true God for true relationship with Him, as his Creator: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts you double minded,” James 4:8.

Before Adam began his relationship with Eve, he has over a period of time developed a communion with God; when God finally brought the woman to the man it was not difficult for the man to instantly identify her to be “the bone of his bone and the flesh of his flesh.”

Good relationship with God is a true manual and guide to true and pure relationship with man. When our relationship with God is true, real and up-to-date, it helps to appreciate who true and real friends are. The ability to discern between a wild goat and a ewe will not be puzzling.

True Friendship
Our Saviour demonstrated true friendship and love when He gave all to us(John 13:4):
“Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
One way to retain true friends is to be a true friend (Prov. 18:24) and when true friendship is discovered, it is unconditional and lasting (Prov.17:17; 1Cor. 13:4).

Ingredients Of True Friendship
A true friend may have many different good qualities, but the basic qualities that all good friends share with one another are the most important.Although friendship may begin very quickly, ittakes time to build into lasting and valuable relationship. Some thoughts said that good friends are hard to find and harder to keep, but everyone needs good friends even if they are far and few.

•True friendship is rare. If you ever get in a bind with a true friend, sometimes you may not realise it until you somehow lose your wayor have a failure in the friendship; then will you realise how rare true friendship is these days.The difference in a true friend andsome persons who call themselves friendsis that; true friendship is truly selfless, special, strong, spiritual and social.

•Friends are valuable in life. For so many good reasons everyone wants “a real friend.” Nobody wants to feel lonely and a friend can help you through the process. You need a friend if you are in trouble, to pour out your heart, to share experiences, to forget bad moments, ease stress and be there for each other. However, the task is in discovering the value that hides in that unique person. Yes! Itmight be easy to find a friend; but it takes time, experience and interaction over time to discover the qualities you expect from true and real friends.

It is these rear qualities that make them truly friendly. Having few good people around is a gift and a blessing because everyone on earth needs someone to hold their hands when they are weak and down. When you take a closer look at the qualities that your friends have,which make them truly friendly, you will discover that they share an essential group of traits, values and beliefs that add up to honesty and good character.

People can have many good qualities, but the traits that your true friends have are all tied together by core basic qualities,which you see in all good friends. The most essential qualities that a person needs to have in order to qualify as a true friend includes:

• Loyalty
Loyalty is a quality that everyone looks for in a friend. A loyal friend will stick with you no matter what the situation is and you can always count on them.

• Intelligence
Being a good friend involves being aware of your needs and recognising your values; when people are ignorant and uncaring, it is hard to consider them as friends.

• Sensitivity
Sensitive people make good friends, because they often see life on their own terms, which allows them to understand the thoughts and feeling of others.
• Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu is the Rector, Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State (08035413812)

• Humour
Life is better when approached with a good sense of humour and people that are happy and outgoing are a lot more fun to be around than those who are depress, moody and sees no reason to laugh. When you find that person who makes you laugh so well and consistently to the point that you almost pee in your pants, which no one else does, then you would understand that you are with a good and best friend
• Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu is the Rector, Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State (08035413812)