Assemblies of God USA SearchSite GuideStoreContact Us

Printed from www.WTOnline.ag.org

Visit www.WTOnline.ag.org for more great leadership tips, articles and resources for Christian women.

The Best of WTOnline

Women's Ministries Unlimited! for women involved in Women's Ministries Leader's Unlimited! for Women's Ministries Leaders

Reader Poll

What part of your life is most difficult to surrender to God?

My finances

My future

My past

My family

My physical body

My feeling of control

View Results
 
From the Editor From the Editor

Real Friendship

By Arlene Allen

Upon arriving in their new home in Kentucky, 7-year-old Jason decided to explore the neighborhood. He was back within the hour proclaiming he had made some new friends.

His mother asked if they were boys or girls and he answered one boy and one girl. Then his mother asked how old his new friends were. Jason informed his mom that it would have been very rude of him to ask.

Jason's mom was puzzled by his response but didn't ask any more questions. About an hour later Jason arrived back home again and shouted through the screen door. "I found out how old my new friends are. The girl is 65 and the boy is 70."

So many different types of friendship exist, including these examples of Bible friendships. Although David and Jonathan were peers, the friendships between Ruth and Naomi and between Mary and Elizabeth were intergenerational friendships. It is also interesting to note that in the latter two examples, the friends were relatives.

I have read that a woman is three times as likely as a man to have a close confidant. Studies indicate that men, like boys, do things together like hunting and sports—but they do not often relate to each other as confidants.

Often men are uncomfortable being together unless their attention can be centered on an activity. Women, however, prefer to be face-to-face sharing their concerns and talking about their children. Men may confuse quantity of time spent in the company of other men with intimacy. Women know the difference.

What kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty—being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles.   Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they're not getting anything out of the relationship. Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.

Throughout September, you will find many articles about friendship on WTOnline. May the Lord teach you some profound truths concerning the importance of making friends and what it means to really be a friend.

Arlene AllenARLENE ALLEN is national director of the national Women's Ministries Department and editor in chief of WTOnline.

Previous Letters