“Let me now sing of my friend.” As years pass, we seem to continue to lose sight of the true meaning of friendship as a trustworthy, reliable individual who is much more than a confidant but also someone committed to stand by us in the greatest joys and celebrations and under the worst circumstances and situations. Friendship is rapidly losing its meaning and perhaps has already lost its truest intention. We allow our friends to be those who favor us online. Those who like our postings, criticisms, opinions, comments, concerns. The notion of friendship is reduced to a membership we hold and value dearly and maintain only through technological settings or social media platforms. However, we remain thankful that what was true about real friendship in the Old Testament, continues to be true in our New Testament experiences. Scripture invites us to consider that it’s not enough to say my close, dear, or best friend. The bible describes true friendship as being founded on faithfulness and cemented in trustworthiness. Scripture notes “Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure. Beyond price, no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine.” True friendship then is one built on a solid relationship able to withstand even the most terrifying and frightful situations. A true friend cannot be purchased or bought or paid for but rather is more valuable than the most priceless gem and considered a true and lasting treasure. True friends are lifegiving and lifesaving. Praise God. Jesus shows us the depth and the heart of true friendship and the model for being a faithful friend to us and others. He says, “no one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus calls us friends because He only wills what is good, just, and right for us. Under the loving gaze and assistance of God our heavenly Father, Jesus offers what is truly helpful in maintaining a true and honest relationship and friendship with Him and with others. Jesus goes on to say, “I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” This is the heart of true friendship. To come to know, believe and understand the depth of God’s love, the mercy He bestows on us in His beloved Son, and the eternal breath of life He pours into our hearts through the outpouring of His gentle Spirit. Beloved, we are God’s children now. He has befriended us for life. This is the song we sing.
