Definition #2

A friend loveth at all times. Proverbs 17:17

What is your definition of a friend?


As I pondered that question and tried to come up with an answer my thoughts kept getting all mixed up due to the fact that I have different "kinds" of friends, and a different definition for each kind. Also that I keep wanting to define friendship, instead of friend, something that will have to wait for another time. So, on the issue of friend, rather than try to condense the different definitions into one very broad and general definition, I thought it would be better to separate them out like they are in my mind. Besides, I have tried the other way for several days now and gotten no where. So here goes;

1) A "casual" friend: Someone I know, like, and get along with, but don’t know well enough to have a deeper relationship with. These are the "How are you?" and "What do you think of the weather?" "friends". - People in this category would better be called acquaintances but are generally referred to as "friends".


2) A friend: Someone I know better, spend time with, invite over, and have a good relationship with. Someone that I can talk with about the weightier issues of life, have minor "animated discussions" with, end agreeing to disagree, and still be friends. - This group contains both Guys and Gals, and is where most of the people that I call friends would fall.

3) A "best" friend: Someone who I can really open my heart up to. Someone that I can talk with about dreams and wishes, personal struggles and hopes, and other deep issues. Someone that I know will support me and be there for me when I need it most. Someone with whom my relationship goes to a deeper level than in the other categories. - This definition is strictly reserved for members of the same gender.


These are very short, I know, but the other alternative was already at three pages long and still going strong. I decided that in keeping it down, maybe more people would read it, and I could get my thoughts posted before I am 30 :)

A few final notes on what the thought of a "true friend" brings to mind.


A true friend prays for you. A true friend is trustworthy. A true friend gives, not takes. A true friend loves and listens. A true friend will tell you things you may not want to hear, when they believe that it is for your good, even at risk to themselves. A true friend wants what is best for you. A true friend is sent by God to lift up and encourage, an undeserved blessing, but one that we gladly receive!

There are more that could be added to the list, but these were topmost in the order. They are not only what I look for in a friend, but also ( as I realized when I was making the list), what I as a friend should be.

I look forward to hearing what you all think.


May God bless,

Nyiad