Friendship

Friendship is an odd creature. I have very close friends whom I often find myself disagreeing with their opinions and views; and we don't enjoy doing the same things or like the same types of music, movies, television or books. Yet, they are very near and dear to my heart, even during those times we disagree or they're being disagreeable. Then I have friends who are very much like me: we enjoy the same quirky taste in movies and books, have the same goofy sense of humor and can talk on the phone for hours at a time. Sometimes, when we're together, we don't even utter a word, we just sit and watch a program or read our separate books, yet we're content just knowing the other is right there.

I also have cousins who are friends. Closer friends than many of my other friends. And I have friends of all ages - from their early 20's to their 70's. I've always seemed to have friends who were older than me. Even in my teens, I had many friends in their 30's and 40's. I often found I had more in common with them than I did the friends of my own age. I also have cousins and brothers and sisters who aren't as close as my friends.

Friendships are very important in our lives. Our friends tell us when we're missing the mark, when we're being impertinent or they support us when we're hurting over a stupid mistake or decision. Friends stick by you no matter what you're going through: good or bad. But there's one friendship that's above all others.

Jesus said He'd be our friend, one that sticks closer than a brother. He's there beside us even when we deliberately walk outside His will; always there to guide us back to the right path, to hold us when we weep, to encourage us when we're uncertain and to cheer for us when we've won. During the times in our lives when we are the most down, He carries us through the valleys. He fights our battles for us, but allows us to enjoy the victories.

Just as I don't always understand why my friends on Earth love me, and stand by me, I always marvel at why Jesus, the Son of the Living God would love me so much He would die for me; take my place on Calvary and suffer the most inhumane suffering imaginable, just so I could be His friend. That's love, and that is friendship!