We enjoy spending time with people that have like interests that we have. There is a joy we feel deep inside ourselves to be around others that are fun to be with. It does not matter if we have many friends or just a few friends. What does matter is that when we are in their company we have a great time together.
Socrates was a deep thinker and philosopher of days long gone by. When he addressed friendships, he said, “There is no possession so valuable as a good and faithful friend.” Yes, friends enable us to make our journey on earth a lot more pleasant. Not just a good friend, but a faithful friend is the one that is most valuable. This person is a joy to be around and sticks by our side no matter what. They are truly valuable.
Scripture reaffirms that a good and faithful friend is truly a valuable asset in our lives. Solomon was the wisest person to ever live on earth. As he reflected upon the value of a friend, he said this, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up” (Eccles. 4:9-10). In discussing friends, Solomon says. “two are better than one.” As some sage once said, “A joy shared is twice a joy and a burden shared is half a burden.” Although, we love to spend time with friends to have fun, as Solomon said, “if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.”
The value of a friend is that we can share good, fun times with them. Then when our chips are down, we can share with a friend and find relief from our burden. Friends serve us double duty; one to have good times with us and the other to lift our spirits when we are discouraged. Thank the Lord for friends He brings into our lives!
