Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
March 27, 2002 Charles Cash
Friend
"Our friends salute you, greet the friends by name." (3 John 1.4) FRIEND! What a wonderful and meaningful word!
When the great composer Beethoven was asked what he considered the greatest accomplishment of his life, he replied, "I found and kept a true friend for life."
"The glory of friendship," wrote Waldo Emerson, "is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship."
Rivers are like lives. The more contributions they gain from friendships, the bigger they grow. Friendly, quiet little streams that join them in the long, troublesome journey to the sea, make them strong and mighty. The helpful contributions of love and kindness we gain from friends make our journey of life richer and better. There are moments when just the presence of a friend, even without a spoken word, can be precious.
Christian friendship within the fellowship of the church is the highest and noblest of all friendships. Christians are to "love," "consider," "prefer," and "serve" one another. A true friend never gets in your way except when you are on your way down.
Often, we are lonely and feel left out simply because we build walls instead of bridges. Solomon said, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly." (Proverbs 18.24) In other words, to have a friend, be a friend. "I went out to find a friend, but could not find one there. I went out to be a friend, and friends were everywhere."
Charles Cash
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
