October 6, 2007
Proverbial Friendship: You're On the ClockPosted by Bryan
The famous passage in 1 Corinthians 13 lists many characteristics of love. It is patient, and kind, and is not envious, or boastful, or prideful. It is not rude, self-seeking, provoked, nor evil-thinking. The list goes on, but the simple truth you get as you read through and meditate on this list is this:
Love takes time.
In this, the characteristics of love are not just descriptions, but they are disciplines. And disciplines take time. You cannot be patient without putting in time with others. Conversely, the more you spend time with friends, the easier it becomes to believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things. The testing field for the time-tested development of your love for others is in your relationships with others.
A funny thing about friendships is that you tend to spend the most time with the people you love. At the same time, you learn to love people more the longer you spend time with them. Find a reason to spend more time with a friend. Get to know them better. Learn from them. Laugh with them. Find out what "makes them tick," and be a friend who shows concern by being available.
The final declaration of the Bible's "love chapter" declares, "Love never fails." By being a true friend, you will make a difference in the lives of others. Even if you aren't the perfect friend, you can see God complete a perfect work in your friends. Surely you can make time for a friend.
October 6, 2007 4:53 AM | TrackBack