FRIENDSHIP

DEFINING THE ROLE

This picture expresses the definition of friendship as, 

"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.  

What comes to your mind as you reflect on this picture?  

I see the differences are uniquely knitted together

Different hair color, skin tone but woven in heart. 

Embracing and complimenting each other. 

There is a close bond that ties them together. 

Is this what your friendship look like? 

Who do you share that kind of friendship with? 

I am blessed to share this type of friendship with my blood sisters, some church sisters and a few others.  

As women, we crave for girlfriends that can share our hearts-whether they are celebrations, sorrows or even secrets.  

Today many friendships come with a price tag.  It's more like, "what's in it for me", rather than how can I be a friend to you.  Perhaps it's time to do a friendship evaluation.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  FRIENDSHIP CHARACTERISTIC INVENTORY 

Let's begin by reflecting on this scripture: 

There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 TLB

Are your friends true friends?  

As you read and reflect on the following, determine if they measure up to the definition of the picture above...

A true friend - not just in good times, but when you are down and out

Genuine - not fake or force the relationship
Loyal - not inconsistent or unreliable
Honest - not lying or misguiding,
Lends a helping hand - not just suggests solutions
Gives time - not just gifts or money
A listening ear- not just talk and or voice their opinions
Offers you grace - not judge or condemn you
Respects your values- not ask you to compromise your standards
Honors your beliefs - not try to covert you to their way of thinking
Keeps your secrets - does not share them or gossip about you
Appreciates you - not take you for granted
Adds to your worth - not depletes, deprive, or diminish your strength and resources
Admires your talents/gifts- not compete with you or sabotage you
Goes the extra mile - not thinks you are a burden
Comforts you - not create/apply stress to you or your situation
Believes in you - not questions your vision or innocence
Understands who you are - not try to belittle, discredit, humiliate or embarrass you
Invests in the friendship - not just make demands, oppress or inconvenience you
Trusts you - not suspicious or questions your motives, actions, and or trust
Walks with you - not against you or let you walk a journey alone
Happy for your success - not envious or jealous
Lets you be yourself - not ask you to pretend or mask your identity
Loves you unconditionally - not for your status, what you can give or who you can connect them to
Loves God - not criticize your religion or discourages you from going to church

Friendship should not be a burden or a stress.  True friends should be reliable, dependable and understandable.  

If they are leaning heavily on what friends are not, it’s time for a friendship evaluation of your friend inventory list.  

God has blessed us with angels, we call friends. I am thankful for the ones that have been placed in my life, and that I have been able to count on through the years.

While this saying is relevant to me... the best friendship is having Jesus as my friend!

Your friends should also have a relationship with the Friend of all friends, Jesus Christ. When He becomes their friend and lives within them, they will become a true friend.

Remember, your friendship list should be audited to ensure that your inventory of friends match up to the image and definition.  A friend is woven at the heart and not at what they can receive from the friendship.  Remember, also, to be the friend you want others to be to you!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel