Most people would agree that friendships generally evolve as we go through different stages of life. However, maintaining those friendships over the years requires a commitment to staying in touch. I have close friends whom I might not see for years, but when we reunite, we can easily pick up right where we left off. Such relationships are rare and valuable. It’s not really anyone’s fault; life changes due to individual circumstances, education, careers, moves, marriages, children, and relationships with spouses and family members, all of which can affect these connections.
I value trust, loyalty, humor, morality, shared interests, and the ability to engage in discussions without taking offense when we disagree. Most importantly, I believe that differing opinions shouldn’t affect our friendship because it’s simply not worth it. I’ve been reflecting on how politically divisive and sometimes vicious things have become, especially over the past few years.
Jesus once shared a profound truth: “A tree is known by its fruit.” This means that while anyone can claim to be a friend, the quality of that friendship can vary greatly. Just like fruit, friendships can become rotten, fall away, show signs of decay, or, in some cases, produce good fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the lifetime of the tree, which was planted in good, firm soil. It’s essential to recognize the true nature of those we consider friends.
Point to Ponder: Choose your friends wisely and avoid judging others based on their appearance, race, or beliefs. It’s essential to share meaningful, lasting values in a friendship. While anyone can claim to be your friend, in my experience, only a few truly reveal their character during difficult times. When life presents challenges, they are often the first to reach out and help you turn them into opportunities.
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