''We are truly rich when we know just a few people in a way in which we know no others.''
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy… Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:5-6, 9).
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Luke 10:30-3,7 "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.' Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands? "And he said, The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, Go and do the same."
Godly friendships are such an important part of life. They encourage us, confront us, strengthen us, love us, pray for us, convict us, serve us, bear patience with us, humble us, spur us on to good deeds, sympathize with us, show compassion towards us and share the truth with us--even when it hurts. I thank God for all the people He has put in my life to do all these things listed and for me to return the love, as best I can.
How can we show Samaritan-like love in our relationships with others? [intouch.org]
- See with eyes of compassion. If we’re busy and preoccupied with our own schedules and plans, we probably won’t see the needs around us. There could be a coworker who’s discouraged, a struggling neighbor, or even a family member who needs our help.
- Have compassion and seize the opportunity to help. It wasn’t simply a matter of feeling bad for another person; the wounded man’s helpless condition moved the Samaritan to action. This is the point at which we often retreat, because stopping to help someone costs us time and effort.
- Let us also remember that, no matter how consistent, honest, and sensitive a friend we may be, we are all still sinful humans who may eventually hurt, disappoint, or even change. Christ is our ultimate Friend, the greatest Lover of our soul!