What’s a Friend?

We use the word friend pretty loosely.

We have work friends, church friends, Facebook friends. Some of those Facebook friends could walk past me in the grocery store and neither of us would have a clue.

So what actually makes somebody a friend?

I think it has something to do with being able to tell them the whole story. Not the sanitized version where I was reasonable and everybody else was the problem.

The version where I admit I was the problem.

A friend can hear that and still want to have lunch with you. They might also tell me, maybe you should call to apologize before you order.

Proverbs says, “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17 NKJV.

That includes the times when loving us requires a little honesty.

It also includes the ordinary days when there is nothing to celebrate and no crisis to respond to. Somebody just checks in because you crossed their mind.

I’m grateful for people like that in my life. But if I’m honest, I probably should spend more time doing the same for them.

It’s easy to appreciate a good friend. It takes a little more intention to be one.

Maybe the better question isn’t, “What’s a friend?”

It’s, “Have I been one lately?”

First Light
www.firstlightblog.org

A daily reflection on faith, leadership, and life. One honest thought each morning to help you start grounded, focused, and full of grace before the world even wakes up.

By Nathan Clark

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