When Someone is Your Friend

by Terry Wane Benton

When someone is your friend, he doesn't stab you in the back, hurt you, and hold you at a distance. He defends you and upholds your honor. He doesn't join in the disparaging talk of those who, for no good reason, decided that they did not like you or want you in their life. Friends stand up and defend you, or they prove they are not friends.

Some friends are weak and give in to the crowd mentality, but repent of that moment of weakness. This is what you see in Peter! Was Peter a "friend" to Jesus when Jesus was being unjustly maligned? Not at that moment! But even denying that he knew Jesus was not a permanent mistake if Peter comes to himself and repents. Friends who fail us but in remorse apologize because they have a deep respect and love that cannot let things end, will come back to apologize. Others do not think you are worth the effort.

Jesus had weak friends in Judas and Peter. One killed himself, and the other repented and restored his friendship. One sold Jesus out and thereby sold himself out. One denied Jesus under pressure but had enough love for Jesus and self-respect to make things right.

Are the people you desire to be friends with worth enough to apologize to when you hurt them and break their heart and their confidence in the friendship? Judas cut off all opportunity for a restored friendship. Don't cut off good people as friends, and don't cut yourself off from possible reconciliation. Keep a door open to mending fences and bridges. In cases like Peter, prove your love by remorse followed by constructive action. That is what a real friend will do. Blessed are the forgiving peacemakers. They are true friends.