Faithful Friendship - Series on Friendship

"No one has greater love [no one shows stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends." John 15:13 AMP

Among the ancient Greeks, according to Biblical scholar Luke Timothy Johnson, "friendship was among the most discussed, analyzed, and highly esteemed relationships." In many Greco-Roman stories, dying for the sake of friendship speaks to strong moral character, heroic but rare. Jesus tells His circle of friends how much He loves them and with the cross, proves that amazing love. Even in suffering, Jesus remains faithful.

Examples of God's faithfulness can be seen throughout the Bible. In 2 Timothy 2:13 Scripture reminds that even in our unfaithfulness, God is faithful. When Jesus says, "but I have called you friends," He is sharing more than heartfelt emotions. Jesus reveals His relationship with God the Father and shares this deep intimacy with His chosen friends. This intimate friendship between God and a few fishermen in Galilee over 2,000 years ago remains the model for Christians today. A rare, faithful Friend, Jesus demonstrates the greatest love, the strongest affection for every person with His willingness to endure the cross. This holy gift of faithful friendship is designed to be shared with others. ~ dho

Series on Friendship previously posted on BreathingRoomForMySoul.com/copyright DonnaOwalt

Genuine Friendship - Series on Friendship

We can never replace a friend. When a man is fortunate enough to have several, he finds they are all different. No one has a double in friendship.  

Johann Von Schiller

Birthday Party (Spring 1962)

Twelve years ago (2013), I wrote a series on Friendship. At the time, I had no plan for how many posts about friendship I would write, but turns out it was a lot! This was the beginning of it (best I can tell). After reviewing many of the posts, I am planning to re-visit them, re-post them in the weeks to come. Hope you find some truths in the words and true value in the thoughts. -dho

Although we all have friends for seasons, those who come and go, they are individually unique, irreplaceable for those particular times, and certainly not forgotten. Yet, as new seasons arrive, it would seem God does fill their void, sometimes, both different and same. I also find those who remain true soul friends, despite time and distance, are NOT so irreplaceable. When circumstances claim them, for a while or for eternity, their place remains. Occasionally, life returns them in planned reunions or at unexpected intersections. In these moments, we pick up where we left off and later, we pause reflective and grateful. Genuine friendship is a matter of the soul, a holy engraving by the Giver. They are all different! ~dho

"And these God-chose lives all around - what splendid friends they make!"

Psalms 16:3 The Message

Series on Friendship previously posted on BreathingRoomForMySoul.com/copyright DonnaOwalt

Living His Way

"Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is the duty of every person." Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT 

The writer of Ecclesiastes is searching for the answer that most all of us desire ~ the meaning of life. For each person, there are particular paths or callings that influence his or her choices of career, family, and community, but I believe this question reaches deeper and, if honesty prevails, becomes a common desire for all people ~ what gives my life meaning? After an exhaustive survey, the researcher in Ecclesiastes reaches a final conclusion, a universal answer to finding meaning in life: Fear God and obey His commands.

In his book, Living the Resurrection, Eugene Peterson gives insight into what demonstrates our truest Christian identity. How does one live the resurrection? He writes, "We embrace and cherish a firsthand, personal life with God and one another." Peterson explains, "we engage in a life that is permeated by the presence and companionship of the resurrected Jesus in the company of friends." The meaning of true life always comes from the Giver of Life. At the core of our being, this personal relationship refines the soul.

What gives my life meaning? It is having a personal, intimate relationship with God and growing that relationship through willingness to live His Way. Living the Resurrection gives God glory and allows God's faithfulness to fully embrace His promise of Everlasting Life. While life will always be full of mystery and unanswered questions, God remains full of majesty and blessings. Remember, worship God, and let your dedication to Him define how living the resurrection is the greatest secret to the meaning of life! ~ dho

originally published on BreathingRoomForMySoul.com, 2012; copyright Donna Oswalt