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I have been blessed to have a true friend for the last 53 years. The Navy gave me the opportunity to meet him. Even though we do not live close to each other, we see each other as often as possible. I have literally entrusted this man with my life and he has with me as well. Many stories regarding that could be told. The older I get the more important to me that this kind of friendship means. I wish all could have at least one friend like that. I have found an article stating 4 characteristics of True Friendship. Please enjoy and be blessed my RP Family.

Taken from bible study tools.com

4 Characteristics of a True Friendship

Ron Edmondson

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True friendship is rare.

I have had many friends in my life, but finding one that stands the tests of time—that’s hard.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

“For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Those kind of friends—are hard to find.

If you have ever gotten in a bind, had a major failure, or somehow lost your way, then you realized just how rare true friendship really is in our lives. The true friends show up at your doorstep ready to help.

To me, the difference in a true friend and one who calls themselves a friend, but is really an acquaintance is fairly easily identified.

Here are 4 characteristics of true friendship:

Unconditional love - A true friend loves at all times. Regardless of what you do, what happens, or where life takes you, a true friend loves at all times. On your worst day—when you aren’t even fun to be around—a true friend still takes you to lunch. (And likely pays.)

Unwavering support – True friends are in it for the long haul. Even when you’ve fallen—or agree with you completely—a true friend is in your corner. When you call—even when you’re in trouble—they come. True friendships may only be for a season. I have many of those. But if we run into each other again we pick up where we left off. Trust is already established. The relationship is just as strong. True friendships are consistent.

Willingness to challenge – Love and support is not ignoring the words you need to here. A true friendship makes you better. The Bible says “iron sharpens iron.” True friends will correct you if needed. Proverbs 27:5 says, “Better an open rebuke than hidden love.” Friends won’t let you injure yourself or others if they can intervene. They won’t remain silent with what you need to hear—and it will be shared in the deepest of love.

Full of grace – True friendship weather the sometime difficulties of relationships, forgiving when needed, and loving each other even when it hurts. A true friendship isn’t one-sided. Both friends are willing to lay down their life for the other. Grace is freely and generously given.

I have a number of friendship I would consider true friendships. Of course, Cheryl and my boys make the list, but there are others. We’ve been through life together. I can’t imagine my life without them.

What makes a true friend in your opinion?

Ron Edmondson pastors Immanuel Baptist Church. Find out more at: http://www.ronedmondson.com/about

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Good morning COL Mikel J. Burroughs Interesting timing on this post. Yesterday's conference was mostly centered on suicide prevention. One of the strongest indicators that people are in trouble is when they withdraw from their friends. A true friend does not let you withdraw; they keep after you until you respond. It can be hard to find that level of friendship in a society like ours where people are very mobile; I think that's a major reason for the feeling of isolation and aloneness many experience. Hopefully, everyone here on RP has a true friend or two; that's one of the greatest gifts we can be given.

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I feel blessed with and thankful for "true friends" ...some going back to childhood.

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” -- Elizabeth Foley

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Enjoy your day RP Friends.