  HRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP was modeled by Jesus Christ himself when he walked the world. He illustrated by his example of what true friendship is all about. As Believers we are not be led astray to see friendship as the world does but as presented in the Bible as God's word. Attributes of a true friendship is:
- Not demanding. True friendship seeks first to understand others and to see the world through others eyes. Being a fried to others does not mean you accept or endorse what others are doing, if they are wrong, but it seeks to learn the opinions and beliefs of others, while being sure to run all decisions in life through the filter of God's word: the Bible. True friendship is not exclusive and will not seek to limit but rather to encourage your growth personally as well as professionally. A real friend will not be threatened by the existence of others who are close to you.
- A Hero. A true friend will also be a hero, but not in the sense that you worship them, but rather that they will stand by your side when all others fail to encourage and support you. Jesus, though also Abba Father, is also our friend as he indeed chooses to call us his bridegroom as his love for us is so great. Mark 2:20 "But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast." God will never leave or forsake us as we should lift others up whose pursuit is the Kingdom.
- Is Open. Though there are many in our lives for whom our love will be founded on who they are today. However true friendship is based upon the ability to see others as they are as they change and evolve in life. Though others interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes may change, true friendship will be there through thick and then enduring all what lay ahead both good and bad.
- Spiritual. True friendship is based upon a higher calling, a spiritual plane, where one comes to know the true inner self and the heart of a persona rather than the way the world sees a person being based on fame, wealth, beauty, intelligence, strength or pride. True friendship requires us to obtain the attributes of Christ himself.
Jesus Christ himself was the only perfect model of friendship as he was not threatened by the friendship of others, he will never desert or forsake you, will be there as I change and grow, and is ready to talk to me at a moment's notice. Jesus is patient with me as a friend, looking for and seeking always the best for me and my life. Though the feelings of love with change and frequently fade over time, true friendship is based upon mutual respect. It is wise when seeking to be a friend to frequently consider that it is often better to be kind, that it is to be right. Also, learning to rise above life's circumstances allows us the opportunity to gain the altitude and attitude to see life from God's perspective enabling us to be Jesus hands and feet in the lives of others.
John Dillard is an author and Certified Public Accountant (All Rights Reserved). To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/(a Christian CPA firm) and for his latest book Overcoming Life's 9/11's: Job's Journey visit www.John-Dillard.com "Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!"More columns by John Dillard
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