A Genuine Friend

In Colossians Chapter 4 (KJV) Paul lists nine people he counts as friends, and in II Timothy Chapter 4 (KJV) he lists six. He is in prison facing death, and the only friend who stands by him is Luke. Paul points out in II Timothy 4:16 (KJV) that no man stood by him the first time he was in prison, it says, "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge." Notice at the end of the passage Paul is forgiving, and says he doesn't want this held against them. Paul never forgot, however, that as Colossians 1:27 tells us Christ in us is our hope and our glory. He knew God was with him always, and on that he could absolutely depend, and that is where he found the strength he needed to carry on.

Paul had been a genuine friend to these guys. He had taken them with him as he ministered, taught them, and helped them in any manner he could, yet when he needed them they abandoned him. He had been a Godly friend to them, and in return they forsook him. This had to be hurtful for Paul, and he must have felt very lonely and disappointed, but he had a forgiving Spirit, and he forgave them without hesitation.

Everyone needs genuine friends, and God understands that. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV) says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;for he hath not another to help him up." How many genuine friends do you have? Friends that you could call any time day or night? Friends that will stand by you in difficult times no matter how long these difficult times last? Friends that you can tell absolutely anything knowing you can trust them? Friends that you truly love, and know that they love you as well? Genuine friendship cannot be built in a short time. This type friendship takes time to develop, and is of great value. The older we get the more valuable our genuine friends become because we are running out of time to develop other friendships like them.  We need to consider this, and treat these relationships with the nurturing and care they deserve.

Have you ever been in a situation like Paul where someone you thought was a genuine friend abandoned you? Have you ever had someone you trusted and loved, who you thought loved you equally, walk away from you when you needed them? Have you ever had someone you cared for, did all you could to help any time they needed it, turn their back on you and decide to throw away your friendship?  Have you ever stood by someone when they were facing trials only to have them abandon you when faced with a trial of your own? More than likely you have at one time or another, I know I have. When someone we love and count among our true friends turns their back on us, it is extremely painful. As a result, some people try to deny it bothers them, and others may become angry and bitter. Both of these responses are negative, and only serve to harm us. If we are angry and bitter or we deny the hurt we feel, then we will not be able to move past our pain and disappointment.  It is important for us to do as Paul did, and forgive those who failed us and hurt us. We must forgive them in order to heal ourselves.

A genuine friend is a Godly friend, and is of great value. If you are blessed with a genuine friend or friends in your life remember to tell them how much their friendship means to you. Remember to let them know how much you love and care for them, and be a genuine, Godly friend to them in return.

 If you ever find yourself abandoned and alone, do as Paul did and draw strength from the Lord knowing he will sustain you. . Mankind will disappoint us and some will walk out on us, but we can count on God to be a constant in our lives. He promises never to leave or forsake us, He loves us tremendously and we can rest assured that we can count on Him to stand by us through all life sends our way.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, send me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.