Friend: Websters Defines as: to love 1) a person whom one knows well and is fond of; intimate associate; close acquaintance 2) a person on the same side in a struggle; one who is not an enemy or foe; ally. 3) supporter or sympathizer 4) being helpful, reliable.
Vines Bible Dictionary defines as:
1) Philos - primarily an adjective, denoting loved, dear, or friendly (used in Matt 11:19, James 2:23, 3 JN 14 and Luke 15:9)
2) Hetairos - A comrade, companion, partner, is used as a term of kindly address in Matt 20:13, 22:12; 26:50. This, as expressing comradeship, is to be distinguished from no 1, which is a term of endearment.
In either case I think the Love passage from 1 Corinthians 13 applies. My definition is a true friend is someone who helps you be all that God intends you to be. A friend is someone who encourages you to do right. A friend does not partake in poor actions of others - because that is not encouraging them to do right. A friend is someone who puts others interests before their own. Jesus was a true friend. Am I? Are you?
Here is a song about the best friend we can have:
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
written by: George Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus all our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness: Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
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