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

Friend
1. a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection, and loyalty; an intimate
2. an acquaintance or associate
3. an ally in a fight or cause; supporter
4. a fellow member of a party, society, etc.
5. a patron or supporter a friend of the opera
be friends (with) to be friendly (with)
make friends (with) to become friendly (with)

I've often defined my life by my integrity towards my family and friends. However as I've become older, I've noticed that people often need to be taught how to do things and how to exhibit certain qualities.

A friend is a term that's used to loosely in our society, like love, most people have no idea what it is or how to love or be a friend. So I've decided to help by giving you the definition of what a FRIEND ISN'T, additionally showing how LOVE applies to friendship!

A friendship isn't a one way street. NOONE wants a friend who: rarely calls, rarely visits, or rarely reaches out! If you can call me in the midnight hour, I should have the same privilege.

A friendship isn't a ATM transaction! If you only call to borrow money, but are never heard from otherwise, sadly you aren't in a friendship.

A friendship isn't a competition! If your house is bigger than mine and you've been blessed financially, then as a friend I am happy about your success. If you've got friends trying to keep up with you and everything you have, your NOT in a friendship.....call this relationship a competition.

A friend invites you to life achievements such as: wedding, baptisms, parties, etc...IF for whatever reason you haven't been or weren't invited to the festivities, perhaps this is just an acquaintance......NOT a friendship!

I've spent years counting on two hands....all my supposed friends, but as the years have come and gone, I realize most of the relationships I've invested in have been washed away by memories of infrequent visits, calls, or correspondence.

Yes EVERYONE is BUSY, but I also understand people make time for what they want.

If you find in this season of life that your friendships have gone by the wayside......FEAR NOT, NOT all relationships were meant to last forever...

In order to be a good friend I've learned to accept people as they are, BUT I'm also willing to leave people where they are! Don't spend energy on something or someone who doesn't put the same effort into a relationship! Bottom line your better off w/o the insignificance this person produces...

Push past the pain of difficult relationships...make up your mind to use your energy for those who REALLY need an ally and a friend!

Be a Good friend, even IF you must be the one to disconnect and move on, move on issuing grace, peace, and love to the friendship of the past...doing this shows both compassion and love for God....