A true friend is a difficult thing to find. Surely you may have a group of acquaintances from work or school, but does the full meaning of the word “friend” fit them all? Regrettably, like many other terms, society has begun to lose sight of what it means to have a friend. Most recently, “social media” has been a major contributor in diluting that special bond that can only be enjoyed with that person you esteem dearly as your friend. Although it is a positive thing to be able to communicate with so many people from different parts of the world, we must not confuse this with real friendship. The author of the proverbs gives the following description of what a friend is: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). At a first glance it would appear that the writer is giving his readers two traits of what constitutes a friend; however, if we read carefully we are able to identify that in reality he is describing the same trait by two separate actions. To speak of a person who is able to love at all times is the same as describing someone who stands by his friend’s side no matter the circumstance. Therefore, since he is willing to lend you his support always, especially during turbulent times, and does not flee, he is described as a brother born for adversity. These words are echoed by the apostle Paul in his great ode to love. In his majestic description of love, Paul explains to the church in Corinth that magnificent power of love because it “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1st Corinthians 13:7-8a). Observe the connection between the proverb and the apostle’s words concerning love. Both inspired authors are able to reveal that a friend can be identified by his loyalty, and motivated by his unwavering love. It is this loving loyalty that creates the special bond recognized as friendship. A friend is that person in whom you fully trust to rely upon, and he in you. It is remarkable to grasp the beauty of what establishes a true friendship. To have the peace of mind that in the darkest moments of adversity, there is that one person you assuredly know will be by your side, is truly an amazing and rare gift enjoyed by so few. Therefore, this enlightenment of what constitutes a real friend becomes even more astonishing when Jehovah God states, “you Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend” (Isaiah 41:8). Abraham is known by several descriptions in connection to his faith, but certainly this one must be arguably the most special one. How wonderful and honorable to have the almighty God personally call you His friend! This bond between Jehovah God and Abraham is exhibited as they speak about the destruction of Sodom. The Lord makes the following inquiry, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him” (Genesis 18:17-18)? Here, we are able to see that the Lord valued Abraham as a friend. He expresses the confidence He had in Abraham’s capability to handle the revelation that He was about to destroy Sodom because of its sinful ways. God, knowing the hearts of all men, manifests His trust upon Abraham by not only revealing to him His decision concerning Sodom, but also by allowing Abraham to attempt to intercede for them (Genesis 18:23-25). Although in the end Sodom was destroyed as a consequence of their depravity (Genesis 19), God reassured His friend that this decision was not a rash one. The seeds of this wonderful friendship were sown from the very beginning of their encounter. Abraham earned God’s friendship by faithfully trusting and relying on Him. When told to “get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you,” Abraham “departed as the Lord had spoken to him” (Genesis 12:1, 4). Leaving behind everything and everyone he knew and loved was surely no easy task, but the fact that he did so without doubting God’s word is what laid the groundwork for his friendship with God. Frequently this pericope of Scripture is read to teach about Abraham’s faith, but it is wise to realize that it also unveils the beginning of that powerful bond that was created between Jehovah God and Abraham. James confirms this to his readers when explaining the proper way faith functions. He points the spotlight on this friendship as the fruit of Abraham’s faith upon God. In his lesson about true faith, James begins by explaining that Abraham was “justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar” (James 2:21). However, as the inspired author continues to teach this valuable lesson he goes back to the moment Abraham was promised an heir. James alludes that “Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23). The Holy Writ James quotes is Genesis 15:6, and during this time Abram (for this was his name before Jehovah God changed it) was “childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus” (Genesis 15:2). After this beautiful conversation between both friends, it is revealed to us that Sarai “had borne him no children” (Genesis 16:1). In other words, she was unable to give Abram an heir due to her sterility and also because she was a woman high in age. Yet, Abraham “did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore ‘it was accounted to him for righteousness’” (Romans 4:19-22). This powerful assurance Abraham had in the promises made to him by God is what earned him the right to be called God’s friend. Although it is true that his faith was not always that strong, it is irrefutable that it flourished into what has become a mighty example for all to follow. Abraham was able to attain Jehovah’s friendship because he trusted in Jehovah, but also never betrayed Him. His loyalty was displayed by always allowing God to guide him in his journey, never questioning God’s motives. His full obedience is what illuminated how much he truly loved and trusted God. This enlightens the idea behind the Master’s statement, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). With these gentle words, He simply asks, “How much do you trust me?”
