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(I like a title that can be read two ways.)
(I like how, together, words can play.)
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A week ago, it came “to light” that:
“Our friendship has made a difference.”
That difference, not just to us (and for us),
although that is very significant to me,
but to the various communities to which we belong.
And not only because we completed a worthwhile project together,
but in the larger sense, in which a 1+1 relationship, when blessed, can equal “3”.
In the matter of friendship, “blessed” is the key word,
for I had been relatively alone, friend-wise,
for many years, in this city,
before He saved and transformed me,
and blessed me in many ways.
Now I have many meaningful Christian friendships.
I understand something of Christian love,
and the love of Father God which surpasses full understanding.
I hadn’t known what I had been missing!
~A treasure greatly precious, and rare,
is the time spent with a close friend.
Life spins and circles smoothly there,
Where, on a bond, one can depend.~
I’m reminded of how Jesus called the unworthy disciples
His friends,
and of how he calls us unworthy believers
His friends.
(We are unworthy by ourselves, but with Him,
our friend IN us,
we are made worthy.)
He taught His friends.
He showed them the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
through His companionship,
through showing them Himself –
His true Self.
He knew this verse:
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
~As crystal dust polishes crystal,
so one believer polishes another.~
His brother knew something astute about errant friendship:
James 4:4 “. . . don’t you know that friendship with the world
is hatred toward God?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world
becomes an enemy of God.”
Undoubtedly, Jesus is THE best friend that any and every person could have.
(What A Friend We Have In Jesus)
All that He hears from the Father, He shares with us.
I am His personal friend, and He is mine!
That friendship made, makes, and will make,
the greatest difference in the whole world,
of all time,
for everyone,
forever.
Remember that a friend is more than the condition of having access to someone’s social media page.
It takes more than accepting a digital request to be a real friend.
It takes precious time to be a companion,
~and companionship is the jelly on the bread of friendship.~
To anyone who is “a friend of the world”,
and not a friend of Jesus, you are like I was –
you don’t know what you are missing,
and I say that in the kindest, most compassionate way possible.
The best friendships are based on a mutual relationship with God.
David and Jonathan come to mind as Biblical best friends.
“Let God be between us,” said Jonathan, who had everything to lose,
yet, because of his love,
was loyal in saving brother-in-law, and close friend, David.
Friendship makes a difference!
And not only to the friends involved,
but in an expanding sphere
which engulfs all creation.
Let God’s blessing be between us, as well,
as it has been,
as He has seen to it that friendship
has indeed inspired this message,
and it matters.
Yes, our friendship has made a difference,
is making a difference,
and will make a positive difference,
just as Jesus’ holy friendships
Have always,
are now,
and always will
make THE BIG difference.
All the difference in the world.
All the difference in His everlasting Kingdom.
Alone in the Rockies.
Gloryteller 
Oct 30, 2013 @ 11:32:07
Of all the titles the Lord holds, I have to admit that Friend to His Saints is the one I cling to and understand most for now. Later His magnificence will make all the other titles much more dear as we see him face to face. Thanks for your friendship Len and continue to write your heart into these writings as it is a beautiful gift….ron
Oct 30, 2013 @ 13:30:32
You’re most welcome, as I feel I’m the one most blessed. 🙂
Thanks for being in agreement, and for your irreplaceable encouragement.
Oct 29, 2013 @ 19:15:47
Great reflection on friends and frenship Len!