It is odd how in life you can be the friend, or, have someone be a friend to you; one is giving one is receiving; both are pretty nice, when they're on an even keel, it's a boat that will not get rocked and take on water over the edge. But often in our lives we have situations which aren't even, friends who aren't much when it comes to being friends; and it might raise the question about how good a friend we are? Truth be told, we're sometimes a might better than what those we think of as our friends are? How do you measure it? In my brief experience I've developed what I call the Pauline friendship ruler, because I believe Paul was a true lover of those around him, but sometimes, when those friendships got lopsided, I think Paul took action on that; and so should you. What I do is take a look at the small things, how often am I there for them, that it isn't returned? How often am I caring and concerned about them, when it isn't returned? How often am I giving of my efforts, time, talents, gifts and whatever else my Lord has seen fit to grant me with, toward them, when such is not reciprocated in kind? Someone has said that as Christian's we are to be sacrificing and giving, and that is certainly true, but one thing I'd advise you if you want to prevent your heart from getting broken is to watch out where you bestow the precious title of friend; for in my life, they are very few and very far between. So it is that I think of Paul, and wonder, he never seemed to get real good at not being knocked about by his choices, so, maybe I shouldn't be so hard on us, and maybe, just maybe, someday, someone will say to me, "you are really a good friend," as they return the kindness to me? But just in case that never happens, which is usually the case, isn't it wonderful to have a friend that I know will never let me down, his name being, Jesus.
A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closerthanabrother.
Per Signum Crucsis (By The Sign of the Cross) De Inimicsis Nostre (From our Enemies) Libera Nos, Deus Noster (Deliver us, our God) In Nomine Patris (In the name of the Father) Et Filii (and of the Son) Et Spiritus SAncti (and of the Holy Spirit) Amen
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