When I was just a boy I remember reading this poem by Helen Steiner Rice.
Friendship is a priceless gift That can’t be bought or sold, But its value is far greater Than a mountain made of gold.
For gold is cold and lifeless, It cannot see nor hear, And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen, No heart to understand. It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand.
So when you ask God for a gift, Be thankful that he sends, Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,
But the love of a real, true friend.
If my memory serves me correct I was at my aunts house and read those words and they have stuck with me ever since. I have found in my life that some people obviously value friendship far greater than others. I believe there are those that actually understand friendship and those that do not. I have been thinking about this alot lately and am not sure why God has placed this so heavily on my heart. I do know this I thankful for some great friends. Some I have had for a very long time and some are new friends that I have made.
You know actually the Bible has alot to say about friendship. For instance I love Proverbs 17:17 when it says “A Friend loves at all times” friends really do love no matter what. It does not matter your social statues, wealth, or anything else. A true friend stand beside you not matter the circumstances. I have found in my own life it is during those tough times that you find out who your true friends are.
Proverbs 17:9 reads “Whoever covers an offense seeks love,” This is a real friend. Some people are constantly looking for whats wrong. Continually trying to find fault in you they was to judge and criticize in fact that is the first place they often go. I believe that a true friend helps you be the best you can be. Friends that d0 not do this really are not friends at all. I know this is just aspects of friendship and God’s word has so much more to say but when I think of that poem from Helen Steiner Rice friendship really is a priceless gift.
A true friend is hard to find.
This Sunday we were looking at the life of Jonathan a little bit in our small groups. Â As we talked about Jonathan and David’s relationship we all agreed that indeed Jonathan was real friend and we discussed a little bit about what is a real friend.
I know that in my life I have had many people that have said they were my friend but when push came to shove in reality instead of showing me friendship I was shown a boot in my seat.  It comes easy to tell people we are their friend but unfortunately words mean little and actions mean so much.  When adversity strikes and troublesome times come you begin to see who really is your friend and who in reality may have pretended to be your friend for whatever reason.
When we looked at the life of Jonathan and we saw loyalty, trust, love, and Jonathan’s unswerving ability to stand with David no matter what the cost.  I see in Jonathan what I would love to have in any friend.  Unfortunately a friend like Jonathan seems rare.  What causes people to look you in the face and tell you they love you but then to give you the boot and forget all about you.  Unfortunately I had to go through some of the most difficult times of my life without some that said they were my friends.  I am unsure what causes people to say they are your friend and yet during those times when you need a friend the most they do not call, they do not email, they do not really do anything.  How unfortunate it is when our friendships are based on feeling instead of on God.  How unfortunate it is when instead of loving our friends we disown them, as if they are some piece of garbage that we really know longer need.
I am so thankful for those that have been just like a Jonathan to me, they know who they are and I am also thankful for those that I have had the opportunity to be a Jonathan to. Â So do you have real friends? Â You know the ones that are like Jonathan who will stay by your side through it all.