True Friend(s)....What kind of friend are you? (Reposted)

True Friend(s)....What kind of friend are you? A true friend is as refreshing as a running stream. Yesterday, my wife and I took an impromptu road trip and drove 2 1/2 hours to visit a couple who are our friends. We have not seen them in more than 5 months and really wanted to spend some time together. There is a difference between knowing someone very well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of true friendship is loyalty--being able to love at all times and available to help in times of distress and personal struggle. The most admirable character(s) in the Bible that demonstrated these qualities other than Jesus Christ was Jonathan and David (see 1Samuel 18-20). Jonathan demonstrated true friendship/loyalty by exposing his father's (Saul) intention to kill his friend David whom God had chosen to become King over Israel. Jonathan could have chosen to entertain personal aspirations of becoming King considering he was a potential successor. Instead, he valued his frienship more than his personal aspirations. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they are not getting anything out of the relationship. Today, think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Exercise wisdom and be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages. Go visit a true friend! Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (New Living Translation)