If you were asked right now, could you, without hesitation, name your BFF? (For you Baby Boomers who are challenged by acronyms, a “BFF” is your best friend forever!)
Good friends are hard to come by. If you go through life with just one, you have done well. An Irish proverb says, “A best friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find, lucky to have.”
Great Friendships in History
Some great friendships in history include that of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the classic fantasy works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and theologian and author C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Screwtape Letters and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Mark Twain, who wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, was a great friend of inventor Nikola Tesla, who discovered a practical use for alternating current (AC).
Many are surprised to learn there was a great friendship between Ruth Ginsberg and Antonin Scalia. Their political views were at opposite ends of the spectrum, and it seemed unlikely that they would care to spend time together; but they shared a friendship.
Going back to Bible times, David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son, were the best of friends, despite Saul’s dislike for David. There was also a friendship between the Apostle Paul and Silas.
True Friends: Different, But There When We Need Them
True friends don’t always agree on everything. They are not a spitting image of each other; but they are people who can disagree without becoming disagreeable and, at the same time, have mutual respect for each other.
When we have them, true friends are an important part of our lives. They are with us through life’s ups and downs. A true friend can add meaning to our lives and support us when everyone else has given up on us. They can make the ordinary moments in our lives seem extraordinary.
True friendship can add emotional, mental, and physical value to our lives. A good friend need not be of the same social status, share our religious views or skin color, or even come from the same cultural background.
True friends are comfortable with each other. Their relationship is often forged with transparency which develops trust in one other.
So who is your BFF?
Friendship and Marriage
In Genesis 2:23–24, the Bible talks about the unique relationship between a husband and wife. They become one in the marriage bond. Proverbs 31:10–11 talks about how a strong marriage relationship is a precious thing. Such a relationship could only be forged through great friendship.
It is no question that God intended for friendship to take place in marriage. If you are married and your BFF is anyone other than your spouse, I challenge you to build that BFF relationship with your spouse!
If you are not married but hope to be married someday, ask yourself this question: Aside from the other person’s physical beauty or attractiveness, can they become my BFF for life? Pray that God would bring such a person into your life, and ask Him to prepare your heart for them. Remember that, like a four-leaf clover, a BFF is hard to find but lucky to have!
Article by Dr. L.W. Edwards
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