Counsel #2 — A Friend For All Seasons

Picture: Counsel #2 — A Friend for All SeasonsCR 20.1

There are actually a few different types of friends. Some friends are casual—maybe mutual friends or acquaintances from your workplace, gym, neighborhood. Other friends are utilitarian—you need them (or they need you) for some purpose, like carpooling, but you don’t see the need to really invest in deepening the relationship. Some may be school friends whom you see often, but with whom you have no close connection. Close friends, best friends, or life-long friends are individuals with whom you share deeply and honestly.^{[17]https://www.christianstudylibrary.org/article/friend-all-seasons} CR 20.2

Interestingly, you need all these kinds of friends. Not necessarily the same number of each, because your individual temperament determines how many or few friends you need, but friends in each category contribute to your enjoyment of life. No matter how much you interact with them, though, you can still show them kindness.CR 20.3

“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14 ESVCR 20.4

“It is natural to seek companionship. Everyone will find companions or make them. And just in proportion to the strength of the friendship, will be the amount of influence which friends will exert over one another for good or for evil....” Ellen White in The Faith I Live By, p. 234CR 20.5

Reflect: Do you have godly friends with whom you can share deeply and honestly? Make a habit of asking Jesus to help you be that kind of friend for others.CR 20.6