Best Friends Forever

As y'all know, my sweet Mamaw recently went to heaven. I immediately received two calls from friends when they heard the news of her passing. As the days went by after her death, I started to receive more calls....cards came with precious words written inside filled with love and prayers....flowers were sent....a special wreath arrived via UPS from my best friend.  Words of comfort were written on my blog to help ease the pain of our loss.  And, oh, what it meant to me for people to take the time to come to the chapel during the "receiving of friends".  I had 3 friends who planned to drive 2 hours each way just to show their respect and love and friendship for me. 

 Since that day two weeks ago....Pappy and I have discussed the topic of friendship and how there were some "friends" who didn't acknowledge our loss, even though they knew what this precious woman meant to me.  I told him that I had noticed that most of the time when "friend" is mentioned in the Bible, it's referring to relationships between men.  For instance, David and Jonathan....and remember Job's friends (if you can call them friends).  


I did a bit of research and some form of the word friend appears 99 times in the KJV, according to  Bible Gateway.  As I scanned thru the verses, if a particular friendship was mentioned, it was between men.  When I try to think of friendship between women in the Bible, I'm reminded of the baby King Solomon was going to cut in half so that each of two Momma's could have a portion.  Of course the real Momma said to just give the baby to the other lady to spare her child being tortured.  Could the relationship between those two women even come close to a friendship?  

I don't think so!!!

Do you think God was trying to tell us in His subtle and evasive way that it's difficult for women to be friends?


Since I've had some enlightening friendships over the years....here is what I've decided....

If you can find somebody you can trust....can confide in and not be afraid that what you say will be shared with others....

 Proverbs 16:28

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;

      gossip separates the best of friends.

....somebody who is supportive and shows respect....offers Christian advice....

Proverbs 27:9

 The heartfelt counsel of a friend

is as sweet as perfume and incense. 

....doesn't tear down....doesn't try to make you feel inferior when they find out your weaknesses....

 Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a sincere friend
      are better than many kisses from an enemy. 


....someone who doesn't try to compete with you....
Galatians 6:4

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.

....then, whatever you do....hang onto that friend for dear life....
....because she truly is a God-send!!!

 Romans 12:9-10

Don’t just pretend to love others.

Really love them. 

Hate what is wrong.

Hold tightly to what is good. 

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.

 

 In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!