Across the Preacher's Desk: Friendship

February 27, 2020 - To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life. To be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings. Friendship does not depend on fancy imagination or sentiment, but upon character. There is no man so poor that he is not rich if he has a friend.

But friendship is a word made to cover many kindly impermanent relationships. Real friendship is abiding. Like charity, it suffereth long and is kind. Like love, it vaunteth not itself, but pursues the even tenor of its way, unaffected by ill report. Friendship is loyal in adversity and the shining jewel of happy days. Friendship does not have the iridescent joys of love, though it is closer than is often known to the highest and truest love. It’s heights are ever serene and its valleys know few clouds.

To aspire to friendship one must cultivate a capacity for faithful affection, a beautiful disinterestedness, and a clear discernment. Friendship is a gift, but it is also an acquirement. It is like the rope which climbers in the high mountains bind themselves together with for safety, and only a coward cuts the rope when a comrade is in danger.

From Cicero to Emerson, and long before Cicero, and forever after Emerson, the praises of Friendship have been set forth. Even fragments of friendship are precious and to be treasured. But to have a whole, real friend is a worthy, high endeavor; for faith, truth, courage and loyalty bring one close to the kingdom of God.

It’s something to think about…..tbp

Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.