Biblical friendship calls for faithfulness.Circumstances should not affect our consistency.In Romans 12:15 Paul tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice: mourn with those who mourn."
Faithfullness is critical to a close relationship because we depend on those who are close to us. Christ's deepest hurts occurred within his circle of closest companions, and David was wounded emotionally more by the treachery of his enemies ( Psalm 55:12-14). Paul too was left to stand alone when he was deserted by Demas and others (2 Timothy 4:10).
A faithful friend keep confidences. In Proverbs we read that" a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" (16:28). Entering friendship involves revealing yourself in confidence to another, and thus becoming vulnerable. this is as it should be, but it is what makes betrayal so eveil and faithfulness so virtuous.
By David W. Smith
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